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Thread: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

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    Jr Member jcutner's Avatar
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    Default e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    for the past few weeks, i've noticed when i've had to brake a bit harder than usual (nothing where it jerks you, not that hard) then e-brake light pops up on the dashboard, as if the e-brake was pulled up. it stays for a few sec, then goes away when i start accelerating again...

    kinda worrying
    do i just need to tighten the handbrake cable?
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    Jr Member RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY's Avatar
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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    Have you checked the fluid level in the brake reservoir?
    2010 Mazda 3 Sport - 1,000 RWUP (Rear Wheel Unicorn Power)

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    Sr Member Noisy Crow's Avatar
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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    Quote Originally Posted by RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY View Post
    Have you checked the fluid level in the brake reservoir?
    +1

    The warning light comes on for two reasons:
    1. Parking brake is on
    2. Car is detecting issues with the braking system, including things like pressure loss in part of the system

    Could just be a faulty parking brake switch... but more likely is that you have a real problem with your braking system. You should get it checked out before it has a chance to fail completely.
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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    Quote Originally Posted by Noisy Crow View Post
    +1

    The warning light comes on for two reasons:
    1. Parking brake is on
    2. Car is detecting issues with the braking system, including things like pressure loss in part of the system

    Could just be a faulty parking brake switch... but more likely is that you have a real problem with your braking system. You should get it checked out before it has a chance to fail completely.
    You got #1 right, but as far as #2 is concerned, where did you get this info from, because I never heard of such a thing. When the braking system looses pressure, the pedal just goes to the floor and you have almost zero braking power.

    There is a second reason, besides parking brake, and that is low fluid in the reservoir, just like RECREATIONAL_ANXIETY said. The reason for low brake fluid is brake pad wear, as the pads wear down, the fluid level will drop as well and since OP's car is a 2005 model, it stands a chance that his brake pads need changing.

    However, if the pads still have plenty of life left, then there must be a leak in the system, which I would take a look at ASAP.

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    Jr Member jcutner's Avatar
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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    is it safe just to top up the brake fluid for now?

    (and.. how do you check the brake fluid level? seems like it's a little spout with the cap, then the reservoir is hidden...)
    Last edited by jcutner; 07-08-2010 at 04:14 PM.

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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    Quote Originally Posted by jcutner View Post
    is it safe just to top up the brake fluid for now?

    (and.. how do you check the brake fluid level? seems like it's a little spout with the cap, then the reservoir is hidden...)
    review your manual it will tell you there

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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    Quote Originally Posted by jcutner View Post
    is it safe just to top up the brake fluid for now?

    (and.. how do you check the brake fluid level? seems like it's a little spout with the cap, then the reservoir is hidden...)
    It is safe to top up the fluid, but remember not too top up to the max line because when you get your brake pads changed, all that fluid may spill out when the brake cylinders are pushed in and this stuff will damage paint.

    As far as checking the fluid level, it's a little tricky since brake fluid is transparent. Basically make sure the car is on level ground, look at the brake fluid reservoir from the front of the car and tap the reservoir lightly with your finger. You should see little ripples in the brake fluid as you tap, that's you level, and in your case it should be near the min. line.

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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    my girlfriends uncles van had also no fluid left and it showed the e break light on and when he put new fluid in & bleeded the air out the light went off. But id bring it back because once he looked at it at his house his abs pump was leaking
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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    Quote Originally Posted by jcutner View Post
    for the past few weeks, i've noticed when i've had to brake a bit harder than usual (nothing where it jerks you, not that hard) then e-brake light pops up on the dashboard, as if the e-brake was pulled up. it stays for a few sec, then goes away when i start accelerating again...

    kinda worrying
    do i just need to tighten the handbrake cable?

    99.9% the E-brake light come on most cars because you morons use it too much and it messes up the sensor or switch whatever you wana call it!!!. so go under the dash and take it out it or move it from its position on top back side of ebrake and check your light. problem solved. You are welcome

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    Default Re: e-brake light coming on the dash under hard braking?

    Quote Originally Posted by supergogeta87 View Post
    99.9% the E-brake light come on most cars because you morons use it too much and it messes up the sensor or switch whatever you wana call it!!!. so go under the dash and take it out it or move it from its position on top back side of ebrake and check your light. problem solved. You are welcome
    That's a nice way to get your message across.

    The only moron I see here is you in stating using your e-brake too much will mess things up....Idiota

    If one has a manual vehicle using the e-brake everytime you park is absolutely necessary for safety.

    Been using my e-brake numerous times everyday for 15 years and never had an issue, soooo, the fact his light comes on is due to some other issue.

    So if you have no clue on an issue, which is apparent here, please don't post.

    Thanks,


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