[firespirit]

My "(!)(P)BRAKE" light is constantly on instead of flashing. I bought brake fluid at autozone - "Super Tech high performance Brake Fluid DOT-3"

Seeing as I have never bought anything like this before, I don't know if that was the right kind. So is this a good brand/type of brake fluid? it says on the bottle, "exceeds DOT-3 specifications, Exceeds federal motor vehicle standard 116, suitable for both disc and drum brake systems"

Second thing is, anyone have any pictures or illustrations showing what I must do? I'm afraid my brakes will lock up one of these times because I haven't added any yet, and it's been on constantly for 2 or 3 days.

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[qwertz9586]

That brake fluid should work.

Your brakes won't lock up with the lack of brake fluid. Your concern is if they don't work when you press the pedal.

To put fluid in, find the brake fluid reservor. In the pic below, it's the yellowish thing hiding behind the air intake hose. Just unscrew the cap and pour some in. I think there's a little stick attached to the cap to tell you how much is already in there.

 

[XLSuruaT]

Do you know for sure that your fluid is low? If it is, you may want to inspect the system for any leaks, or double check your pads that if they are low, the system uses more fluid.

 

[cincyses]

Please remember 2 things:

1) Brake fluid is very corrosive. It will eat throught car paint, concrete or blacktop, etc. Be carefull! Should you spill it, flush the area with water thoroughly and quickly.

2) Brake fluid is hydyophilic, meaning that it attracts water. Do not add brake fluid on a rainy or foggy day if possible. Also, if you are going to store an opened container of brake fluid, be sure it is sealed tightly.

As a p.s.: keep the fluid level near the bottom of the word MAX on the side of the tank (when the fluid is hot). This is as per a local Ford dealer and after having had them overfill mine so that it overflowed when the brakes warmed up!

 

[sundarpn]

ask someone for help if u dont know where to find the brake fluid res.

open hood look right below the driver side wiper... there will be a white rervoiur
with a black cap on it sayin brake fluid...

on the side of the res will be a marking sayin "MAX". fill only upto that level.

if possible, get the brake system flushed.. it should not cost more than 30 bucks..
DIY is also easy

 

[Capital Punishment]

really, if you dont know what your doing when it comes to your brakes, find someone who does and ask them to help you. Your brakes are extremely vital....you cant mess up here.

 

[BMWevo600]

most of the time if u have the brake light ots either brake fluid low or the brake pedal or parking brake pedal is loose and needs to be adjusted or the switch for these things is going to go or gone already. but if your brake fluid is low its either u have low pads and shoes or u have a leak, but since u said its a on going thing for 2 year i have to go with the pads. so either checke them out or get someone who knows what they are doing to check them out. i would add fluid . because unless u have a leak when u get new pads it will overflow and make a mess




brake fluid is not corrosive. just it seeps through anything like metal. after this happens paint will never stick to that spot ever again and if it does not for very long. and it does not eat throught concrete or blacktop. because if it did my bays at work would be destroied by now.

and dont leave the cap open because it will attract water and lower the boiling temp of the fluid. this is bad if u like to stop. to if u do add fluid keep it open the shortest amount of time.

 

[cincyses]

Ok, if we want to split hairs, perhaps "corrosive" is not the technically correct word, but in layman's terms, I think it makes my pointbecause, it will, strip paint and it definately removes the top coat on blacktop (my friend did this to my driveway when he had a leaking brake line..).

P.S. I believe the word I needed was "caustic."

 

[firespirit]

Originally posted by BMWevo600@Dec 13 2003, 06:00 PM
most of the time if u have the brake light ots either brake fluid low or the brake pedal or parking brake pedal is loose and needs to be adjusted or the switch for these things is going to go or gone already. but if your brake fluid is low its either u have low pads and shoes or u have a leak, but since u said its a on going thing for 2 year i have to go with the pads. so either checke them out or get someone who knows what they are doing to check them out. i would add fluid . because unless u have a leak when u get new pads it will overflow and make a mess




brake fluid is not corrosive. just it seeps through anything like metal. after this happens paint will never stick to that spot ever again and if it does not for very long. and it does not eat throught concrete or blacktop. because if it did my bays at work would be destroied by now.

and dont leave the cap open because it will attract water and lower the boiling temp of the fluid. this is bad if u like to stop. to if u do add fluid keep it open the shortest amount of time.

mmmm... no, Ive never said the brake light has been on for 2 years. Thats the SES light.

Anyway... the brake light has been on since my wheel flew off that one time.

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[BMWevo600]

sorry i didnt mean been on for 2 years just what u said on and off for 2 years mine was doing that then i did a full brake just new rotors pads and shoes and durms. then i flushed the brake lines and filled to max and it hasnt come on since. so check your pads and shoes to see how much u got left...



i really dont think brake fluid will do anything to blacktop. and yeah i know it will peel you paint and make it disscolored before it does. and strip paint is a little harsh dont u think. the brake fluid seeps into to metal and doesnt alow paint to stick forever so if u do get some on your car wash it off with water as fast as u can and u might minimize it but some damage as already started. just dont miss any spots though

 

[firespirit]

Ok, well just a second ago my brakes felt like they were grinding on eachother and my brake light DINGS. it's never did that before. So I take a look (it's dark outside) and it looks as if the brake fluid is bone dry.... going to put some in right now... will update later.

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[Capital Punishment]

Ashley, you CANNOT put off brake work.

 

[jason8225]

Originally posted by Capital Punishment@Dec 13 2003, 10:07 PM
Ashley, you CANNOT put off brake work.

most definitely not... grinding = bad

Since you have to get something done anyways... you better get the pads & rotors, etc. checked out while you're at it...

 

[firespirit]

Originally posted by Capital Punishment@Dec 13 2003, 10:07 PM
Ashley, you CANNOT put off brake work.

I know, and I regret it.

Anyway, I put the brake fluid in... perfect now. <_< I admit it, I am a retard.

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[jason8225]

Originally posted by Firespirit+Dec 14 2003, 02:10 AM-->QUOTE (Firespirit @ Dec 14 2003, 02:10 AM)

<!--QuoteBegin-Capital Punishment

@Dec 13 2003, 10:07 PM
Ashley, you CANNOT put off brake work. 

I know, and I regret it.

Anyway, I put the brake fluid in... perfect now. <_< I admit it, I am a retard. [/b]

Now don't call yourself that...

You probably didn't know - we were only stressing it to make sure nothing bad happens to you

Don't feel bad. However, I would still recommend somebody checking out those brakes... just to make sure nothing is damaged or anything...