Low Brake Fluid Light

[StuartJ745]

The warning system on my ’01 LS displays “low brake fluid” with the brake warning light coming on. The fluid is at the correct level and the pads are fairly new. This happens about once a month. It will clear after a day of driving. Any clues??

 

[joegr]

Have you tried unplugging the float switch at the reservoir when the light is on? The light should go out. If it doesn't, then you have a shorted wire somewhere. If it does, then you know that the float switch is defective.

 

[StuartJ745]

I'll give it a try this weekend.....thanks!

 

[Lincoln Jealous]

hello LVC, i just read this because it just had this happen too... levels are fine, but brake light came on for a sec and turned off, and computer read low brake fluid, what should i look for? thanks

 

[pektel]

hello LVC, i just read this because it just had this happen too... levels are fine, but brake light came on for a sec and turned off, and computer read low brake fluid, what should i look for? thanks

Have you tried unplugging the float switch at the reservoir when the light is on? The light should go out. If it doesn't, then you have a shorted wire somewhere. If it does, then you know that the float switch is defective.

Did you try this yet?

 

[Lincoln Jealous]

well the light only flashes for like 1 sec, then it goes away, came back like every 5 minutes for 3 times, i checked the resivor wires, maybe they were alittle loose, but i dont know how to check this unless the light was solid, when i press on the computer status, it says brake level is ok, so i dont know, but i will have to drive it again to see if the light comes on

 

[joegr]

well the light only flashes for like 1 sec, then it goes away, came back like every 5 minutes for 3 times, i checked the resivor wires, maybe they were alittle loose, but i dont know how to check this unless the light was solid, when i press on the computer status, it says brake level is ok, so i dont know, but i will have to drive it again to see if the light comes on

Unplug the sensor on top of the brake fluid reservoir, and drive for a day or two. If the light still flashes, then you have a wiring or cluster problem. If it doesn't then you can assume that it is the brake fluid level float sensor and replace it.

 

[Lincoln Jealous]

ok, so that sensor only affects the level of fluid for the computer? if i unplug it will any CEL come on?

 

[Lincoln Jealous]

i read this online


"Then I moved to brake fluid sensor, which gave alert even when container was full of fluid. The sensor looks unserviceable, but actually the rivets are screws. So if you grind slots to them, you can screw them out. The float appeared to be normal cork, which propably has soaked so much fluid during 40 years that it did not float any more. And then comes the joyful part: where can you get a new cork? From wine bottle of course! And a bottle without cork goes bad quickly, so of course you have to drink it! Best repair ever! Restoring a car is fun! New cork in place, everything back together and works perfect."

 

[joegr]

ok, so that sensor only affects the level of fluid for the computer? if i unplug it will any CEL come on?

There will be no CEL.

 

[joegr]

i read this online


"Then I moved to brake fluid sensor, which gave alert even when container was full of fluid. The sensor looks unserviceable, but actually the rivets are screws. So if you grind slots to them, you can screw them out. The float appeared to be normal cork, which propably has soaked so much fluid during 40 years that it did not float any more. And then comes the joyful part: where can you get a new cork? From wine bottle of course! And a bottle without cork goes bad quickly, so of course you have to drink it! Best repair ever! Restoring a car is fun! New cork in place, everything back together and works perfect."

Don't use a cork. You will have to replace the sensor assembly if it is the problem. (Or, just leave it unplugged and check you brake fluid level often.)

 

[Lincoln Jealous]

Don't use a cork. You will have to replace the sensor assembly if it is the problem. (Or, just leave it unplugged and check you brake fluid level often.)

haha, well this time it came on solid and i unplugged the wire and it turned off, so i believe it would be the sensor, has anyone replaced one before, im not sure if this is a autostore part? could it also be the cap? does pressure build up there too?

 

[mrzeee]

Looks like you get a free sensor with every reservoir..sorry.
P/n xw4z-2k478-aa retail $52.80 and LVC is $39.60.
M

 

[joegr]

haha, well this time it came on solid and i unplugged the wire and it turned off, so i believe it would be the sensor, has anyone replaced one before, im not sure if this is a autostore part? could it also be the cap? does pressure build up there too?

No, the reservoir does not pressurize. I don't see any way that the cap could be your problem.

 

[Lincoln Jealous]

Looks like you get a free sensor with every reservoir..sorry.
P/n xw4z-2k478-aa retail $52.80 and LVC is $39.60.
M

max, do you think if i bough the reservoir could i just switch the sensors? or would i have to replace the reservoir too?