Brake warning light problems

[Retrix]

I have recently biught a 93n/a MR2, and it seems that when i accellerate or go into an uphill, the brake warning light turns on, then turns off again after a while.

the light will stay on for longer if the car is cold then if it is warm.

anyone know what my problem might be?

any help is appreciated

[PearlJammzz]

Your brake fluid is low, sounds way low. Fill it up and/or bleed the system of any air as I am sure you got some in there. Atleast top it off, does it go away?

[Retrix]

there doesnt seem to be any fluid missing in the reservoir.

i can just see the min line under the metal and as far as i can see the brakefluid is above that.

however i saw some brown gunk on the bottom when looking down the refill hole, any ideas?

[Ben]

How far above the min line is it? If it is a little above it and you make a turn, the fluid moves, drops the float, and the light comes on.

[Retrix]

i would guess about 3-4mm above the line, cant check it reliably since it is pitch dark outside now.

times i have noticed it turning itself on

after accel from 0-any km\h above 40(usually turns off when i have either driven 1km or done some mild braking)
in aggressive turns(stays on for about 6-10 secs)
in mild turns(turns off almost immediately)
uphill(or downhill, cant say for sure because most hills where i live involve a turn that needs my attention more than the light)
even sometimes while cruising along with no turns or speed changes(although it turns off almost immediately in the few occasions it does happen)

[Ben]

I would top if off and see if anything changes.

[55mr2]

This problem was discussed in another thread. The solution was to make sure the brake fluid was at or above the full line.

[Retrix]

just throwing another question out here while we are still on the subject of brakes...

do MR2's have sensors for brake pad wear? i realize it wouldnt act this way, but will the warning light light up on dangerously thin brake pads?

[Ben]

There is a metal tab on Toyota pads that will rub against the rotor and squeak when the pads are low. There is no electric sensor.

Generally, if the brake fluid is low, the pads are getting worn out. Check your brakes.

[Gairloch]

Make sure you're actually taking the cap off the reservoir and eyeballing the fluid. The reservoir plastic can become stained so it LOOKS like the fluid level is fine but really it's just messin' with ya.

This shouldn't happen with brake fluid but who the heck knows what fluids get stuffed into these cars.

[Retrix]

i have had the cap off to look down the reservoir, even put a finger down the hole till it got wet and pressed against the side to see where i had it, some mm's over minimum line.

[55mr2]

Originally Posted by 55mr2

This problem was discussed in another thread. The solution was to make sure the brake fluid was at or above the full line.

Being a bit above MIN is not good enough. It needs to be at or above the MAX or FULL line.