Stop System This light indicates a problem with your brakes if you see it. Either the brake fluid level is low or there may be an issue with the antilock brake system. ESP/Traction Control This signal indicates that the electronic stability system of your car is in operation.
In This Article...
An Engaged Parking Brake
The parking brake sensor will signal the brake warning light to switch on if the parking brake is still engaged. The parking brake on your car should be entirely disengaged to prevent this from happening in most cases.
If you keep it the way it is, you’ll be using your parking brakes all the time, which can cause your brakes to overheat and hasten the wear of your brake shoes and brake pads.
The efficiency of your braking system may be impacted by the accelerated brake fluid deterioration brought on by these elevated temperatures.
Low Brake Fluid Levels
The amount of braking fluid in the system is monitored by a sensor in the brake master cylinder. The sensor will cause the brake light to illuminate if levels are below the minimal threshold.
Low brake fluid levels can be very concerning because they may be a sign of an urgent brake fluid leak.
Worn Out Brake Pads
As the caliper pistons must extend further to make contact with the rotor, worn brake pads might also result in a drop in brake fluid level, which can also activate your brake warning light.
This sensor wire makes contact with the rotor when the brake pads get too worn, which prompts the brake light (also known as the brake pad warning light) to turn on.
Anti Lock Braking System Malfunction
A brake warning light for the antilock braking system (ABS) is present in the majority of automobiles.
Both the brake warning light and the ABS light (if it has one) may turn on in response to issues with the antilock brake system. Electrical problems and even something as simple as a dirty wheel speed sensor can be the culprits.
What should you do if your Honda Civic’s brake system warning light illuminates?
Have a dealer look out your car right away. The electronic parking brake system is malfunctioning if the indicator blinks or illuminates at the same time as the amber brake system indication. Avoid using the parking brake, and have a dealer inspect your car right away.
My braking system light is on, why?
The brake pad wear indication light is the newest member of the family of brake warning lights. This feature is common in late-model automobiles. If your car is equipped with this indicator, it will notify you when it’s time to change your brake pads. When you press on the brake pedal, friction material from the brake pads snags the rotors. Over time, that friction substance deteriorates. When your brake pads are getting close to their minimum thickness, tiny sensors recognize it and turn on the dash light to alert you that it’s time for brake maintenance.
Make careful to get servicing as soon as possible if you spot any of these brake system warning lights on your dashboard. Even if they are probably not urgent, a parking brake and a brake pad wear indication light should be checked. On the other hand, a BRAKE light or an ABS warning light both indicate a potential issue with your brakes and need to be fixed right away.
Will a brake light come on if there is low brake fluid?
The brake warning light will turn on when the reservoir of brake fluid is low. Your brake fluid level could be low for a number of reasons. Your brake pads may simply be worn out.
What symptoms indicate low brake fluid?
One or more of the following indications may be present if your brake fluid is low:
- Your dashboard lit with a brake warning light.
- Low-quality, filthy, or discolored brake fluid is visible.
- The brake pedal is soft or spongy.
- Vehicle stops more slowly than usual.
What does the Honda braking system light mean?
Brake System (U.S.) – This light could mean that there is a problem with the brake system or that there is not enough brake fluid. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – The presence of this error code denotes a malfunction with the ACC system. A issue with the LKAS, or lane keeping assist system, is indicated by this message.
What does it mean to “check brake system”?
Your car’s message center can show a wide variety of warning messages. If you see one that says CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM, it implies that the brake system has been flagged by the car’s computer as needing inspection. The most likely problem is that your brakes need maintenance (fluid topped up, brake pads changed, etc.), but it’s also possible that there’s a problem with the system as a whole. Have your car inspected as soon as possible if the message does not disappear or reappears.
Take any warnings from the brake system seriously. It is crucial to have it done, even if it just requires routine maintenance.
A. BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM
Depending on the vehicle model, the dashboard light that signals a braking system issue typically has an alarming red color to signal that there is an immediate risk, potentially jeopardizing the vehicle’s overall safety. It must never be disregarded.
The brake system warning light may come on for a number of reasons. The issue is that, according to the survey below, almost half of those on the road fail to recognize the risk and, as a result, fail to respond appropriately.
MANY DRIVERS CAN’T IDENTIFY MISSION-CRITICAL DASH LIGHTS
In a recent study of 2,000 drivers, nearly half of the participants couldn’t explain what it would signify if their car’s brake system or tire pressure light flashed. The survey asked participants to identify explanations for 10 common dashboard lights. Unexpectedly, 17% of the respondents weren’t even aware of the significance of the low fuel indicator.
BRAKE PAD THICKNESS UNDER THE MINIMUM
In the worst-case scenario, this could eventually result in rear plate contact with the brake disc and brake pad underlayer contact.
In the event of:
- Due to an imbalanced brake action on both sides of an axle, the vehicle is tugging to one side.
- when applying braking pressure, a loud noise
- The cast iron brake disc was severely damaged by the steel back plate’s contact with it.
FALSE READING DUE TO A PROBLEM IN A BRAKE SYSTEM PART (E.G. ABS)
Drive shaft or wheel bearing false signals may be produced by an ABS ring that is rusted or damaged. The sensor could be pushed closer to the ABS ring if there is corrosion at the mounting locations for the sensor, giving the ABS module a misleading reading.
Look for corrosion or cracked rings throughout the ABS system, and replace as necessary.
FALSE ALARM CAUSED BY AN OVERSENSITIVE BRAKE WARNING SYSTEM
Even after replacing the pads and associated wear sensors, the dashboard warning light continues to blink.
- To check that the brake pads and brake discs are in contact, repeatedly press the brake pedal.
- Turn off the dashboard for a brief period of time.
- Check to see whether the light is still on after turning the dashboard back on.
If the brake warning light is still on, get help and professional guidance.
Why does my dash have a red brake light?
The amber/yellow brake warning lamp and the red brake warning lamp have different functions. When there is a hydraulic issue, such as low brake fluid or a loss of hydraulic pressure in one of the brake circuits, the red (RBWL) lamp will illuminate. If the parking brake is applied or shorted to the ground, it also glows.
If the brake fluid level is low, it lights. Low fluid level is frequently a sign that the brake pads need to be replaced since they are worn out. Brake fluid accumulates in the space behind the caliper’s piston when the brake pads deteriorate. Before adding fluid to the reservoir, it is crucial to inspect the system for leaks.
Can’t you just fill up your automobile with brake fluid?
You don’t need to add any brake fluid if it is at or above the “MIN line, indicating that the level is satisfactory. Add brake fluid until the level is just below the “MAX line if your fluid level is below the “MIN line. Then, carefully peel the reservoir top off. Avoid overfilling.
Can you drive with your brake light on?
Your car’s brakes enable you to stop safely, especially in an emergency. You should pay attention and get in touch with your repair right away if your brake warning light illuminates. Since your car’s brakes are the most crucial safety element, you shouldn’t drive if they aren’t functioning properly.
When you notice that your brake warning light is on, keep an eye out for the following:
The need to replace a brake is one of the primary causes for the Brake Warning Light to illuminate. The light only indicates that one of the brakes is failing; it does not specify which brake it is. Your brakes can be examined by a mechanic who will also be able to identify which one needs to be replaced.
Other causes for your brake warning light to illuminate include low brake fluid or damaged brake pads. Your brake fluid may occasionally need to be replenished or additional fluid may need to be added if the level is low. In other circumstances, a qualified mechanic can totally replace the brake pads for you.
Another potential cause for the Brake Warning Light to illuminate is leaking brakes. The car won’t be able to stop if the brakes are leaking. Your car should not be operated in this hazardous situation. Contact a professional right away to get your automobile evaluated if you believe there is a leak and your brake warning light is on.
It’s crucial to notify your mechanic if you experience strange noises when applying the brakes and your brake warning light is on. Grinding noises are particularly dangerous since they indicate that your brake pads need to be replaced right away because they are worn out.
The warning light and the car pulling to one side while you apply the brakes are other indicators that your brakes need to be replaced. This may indicate a brake fluid leak or the necessity for brake replacement.
It is unsafe to drive while the brake warning light is illuminated. It implies that your brakes aren’t functioning properly and should be fixed right now. YourMechanic or any qualified mechanic should inspect your braking system as soon as you observe the Brake Warning Light illuminated.
How can the brake fluid in a Honda Civic be checked?
Steps For Brake Fluid Inspection
- Under the hood, locate the brake fluid reservoir on the master cylinder. In case you can’t find it, look in the owner’s manual.
- Find the lowest and maximum lines to determine the level of your brake fluid.
- Before you close the hood, check the brake fluid’s color.