What does the check brake system warning mean in the message system?
What does the check brake system warning mean in the message system?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Your car is equipped with a number of different sensors designed to monitor critical systems for malfunctions and problems, including your brakes. If you see a warning message that reads “Check brake system” come on in your message center, it means that the computer has detected abnormal operation in the brakes. It does not mean that you immediately need to have your car inspected, but if the warning does not go away or continues to come up, you should have the entire system inspected and repaired.
Tip
If you see this warning, test the system carefully to determine if it feels differently (soft, spongy, harder than usual, etc.).
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
If your brake service warning light is always on, it could be due to a need for parking brake adjustment, worn brake pads, or hydraulic issues. If your brake service warning light turns on when you hit the pedal, it could be due to hydraulic loss on one side of your vehicle or low brake fluid in the master cylinder.
Brake System: Illuminates when the parking brake is engaged while you drive. If the parking brake is not engaged, you may have a low brake fluid level or other brake system malfunction. Have your car checked immediately.
BRAKE WARNING LIGHT = BRAKE SYSTEM PROBLEM
Any brake system problem has to be regarded as a major safety issue and your car should not be driven until the problem has been resolved by a mechanic.
The most common cause of brake failure is loss of brake fluid. The fluid transfers the force you exert by pushing down on the brake pedal to the brake disks that slow and stop your car`s wheels. You can usually detect a leak before getting on the road because you`ll see it underneath your vehicle.
The most common cause of failure is a leak in the brake lines. The brake fluid will slowly drain out, until there isn`t enough left to transmit the pressure from the pedal to the tires. The brakes can also fail when the discs or drums wear out, so they can no longer put enough friction on the wheels to stop them.
BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM. In general, the dashboard light that indicates a problem with the brake system has an alarming red colour (depending on the vehicle model) to indicate that there is an immediate risk, potentially compromising the general safety of the vehicle. It should never be ignored.
Bad Switch: One common reason for the Parking Brake light to stay on is a failing or failed switch. This can be checked easily by jiggling the handle after it is down. If the light turns off (or turns off and then back on), the switch is the most likely culprit and will need to be replaced.
Brake System Warning Lamp
If the lamp illuminates when you are moving, you may have the parking brake applied. Make sure the parking brake is off. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the lamp continues to illuminate. WARNING: Driving your vehicle with the warning lamp on is dangerous.
The simplest (and oldest) light on your dashboard – the one most people refer to when they mention a brake system warning light – is the BRAKE light. When this light comes on, it means one of two things. Either the hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) in the master cylinder is low, or the parking brake is engaged.
The warning lamp lights up red. A text message may also be displayed. Do not drive on!
Insert the key (or key fob) in the ignition. Move the key to position 2, but don`t start the ignition. Open the driver`s door and wait for approximately 10 seconds. After completing the above three steps, the brake pad lights should reset!
How long can you drive with low brake fluid? Although it is advised to replenish your brake fluid level in the reservoir, you can drive your car with low brake fluid. As long as the brake fluid is enough to apply pressure on the brakes, you can drive your car.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
What does the check brake system warning mean in the message system?
ANSWER : Your car is equipped with a number of different sensors designed to monitor critical systems for malfunctions and problems, including your brakes. If you see a warning message that reads “Check brake system” come on in your message center, it means that the computer has detected abnormal operation in the brakes. It does not mean that you immediately need to have your car inspected, but if the warning does not go away or continues to come up, you should have the entire system inspected and repaired.
Tip
If you see this warning, test the system carefully to determine if it feels differently (soft, spongy, harder than usual, etc.).
Low brake pedal and anti-lock brakes are not kicking in.
ANSWER : The brake pedal is working to stop the vehicle, but there may be air in the controller unit causing the ABS brakes to not function. I recommend bleeding the brake system from the farthest location from the master cylinder to the master cylinder including the ABS unit. If the brakes are still spongy after a full bleed, then the controller will need to be replaced. If you need further assistance with your brake pedal being spongy, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
check break system and indicators of side brake, doors open,and traction system and full light warning in dash board
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in.
It sounds like you are having a serious electrical malfunction, which is very hard to diagnose without being able to look at the car first hand. The first step to diagnosing your electrical issue would be to scan all the relevant control modules in the vehicle, to see if there are any faults relating to any of these issues. It sounds like somebody at the dealer has been trying to fix this problem, so it may be a more involved one. I have personally seen failed control modules cause things like this, but that is no guarantee that it’s the problem in your case. It would be best to have a qualified independent technician, such as one from YourMechanic, look at your car to diagnose your electrical problem.
Car shut down and will not start. Warning lights are on – 2006 Toyota Highlander
ANSWER : Hello. From what you describe, it would appear that your vehicle is having some sort of electrical issues. The "Generator Inverter Performance" warning comes on when the computer detects an issue with the vehicle’s electrical generator inverter. The generator inverter is the component that converts the high current electricity from the vehicle’s hybrid battery into a lower power form of electricity that is useable by the vehicle’s various systems.
The inverter is located in the engine bay, as the silver box on top of the engine. Unfortunately, the inverter is a critical component to the functionality of the hybrid system, and therefore to the operation of the vehicle, and, as a result, needs to be repaired or replaced before the vehicle will run again.
The VSC system warning light comes on when the computer detects an issue with the vehicle’s stability control system. This is usually due to a fault with the wheel speed sensors or the ABS module, though electrical issues can sometimes effect this system as well and cause it to behave erratically. I would start by taking care of the generator inverter issue and going from there.
I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, perform an inspection to determine why the warning lights are on and suggest any needed repairs.
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
When I put my foot on the brake my back left brake light goes off, when I take it off the brake the brake light comes on
ANSWER : I would suggest trying to disconnect and reconnect the wiring to the rear lights. I have seen these older Toyota vehicles rear lighting short out on the lights themselves due to the way the light circuit was made on the lamp housing. Look at the housing circuit on the light to see if one is touching another, and that could tell you why it is malfunctioning. There could also be a problem with the brake light switch. If you are not comfortable dealing with wires, I recommend getting in touch with a certified mechanic who can look at your brake light issue for you to see what’s going on.
I have no brake lights and third brake light I have checked all fuses and brake pedal switch and the switch is fine and I’m still
ANSWER : Hi there. Well, you’ve listed most of the usual suspects including the brake switch, fuses and tail light assembly. However, one item you might want to also check is the accessory electrical relay. In some cases, the relay that supplies power from the brake switch to the tail light assembly will cause the issues you are describing. I always recommend that home mechanics purchase a service and repair manual for their vehicle to have a schematic accessibly, so it might benefit you to purchase one online to locate this relay or feel free to have one of our mobile mechanic some to your location and complete a brake light inspection, so they can help trace this issue for you.
Supportive bar attached to brake pedal interrupts proper braking process
ANSWER : It’s possible to have someone alter the brake pedal or adapt a brake pedal from a different vehicle. You may call around to some customization shops to see if anyone is interested in taking on the project. But first, I would try reaching out to the selling dealer with your concern – especially since it is a new model. Good luck.
