Currently in the midst of the ice here in north Tx. went for a short drive to see how the 100 handled the snowy conditions and noticed that the BRAKE light stayed on throughout the drive. ABS did engage during a couple of skids but otherwise seems like the brakes are performing as normal. Checked the fluid level and it is about a centimeter above Min so that's not the reason. Was thinking it had something to do with the low temps. Safe to drive for now? Thanks for your help!
BRAKE light on in cold weather
- Thread starter CruiserDreaming
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- Thread starter
- #2
EDIT: I did mess with the E brake for a while and it seems to be seated well in the off position. It was not engaged overnight when the ice came in.
I've had my truck in the NE for 2+ years now. Brake light has never illuminated unless the ebrake was engaged. 3x in the last month the temps have been -15 or so with the wind chill. All three days the brake light came on while driving. Off again on next start up. Funny enough the brakes felt better all 3 times this happened.
I've been dealing with a sticky caliper that I'll take apart when it's not 0 degrees outside. The caliper feels "not as sticky" and the truck brakes smoother when the light is on.
All fluid levels are good. Booster makes noise for the appropriate amount of time on start up. Pads and rotors are good. Checked bearings and c clips. All good.
It's weird.
JunkCrzr89
Competent Ignoramoose
FWIW, I’ve had the same issue the last couple of mornings after temps were down in the negatives overnight. I think it’s an early sign that the brake fluid needs to be changed: The fluid level sensor on the reservoir is detecting low brake brake fluid, I suspect because brake fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs water over time, causing it to become a little slushy in severely cold temps. Alternatively, there’s a sensor for the e-brake that may be slightly seizing in cold temps.
- Thread starter
- #5
Interesting. It likely is due for a brake fluid change anyway. Interestingly, I went for a longer drive this afternoon and the light shut off after about 5 min or so. I did engage the parking brake and made sure it would hold against a tiny amount of acceleration in case something exciting were to happen. Maybe that was it.
Ice storm in MA today. No school. Took the kids to do donuts in parking lots. Couldn't get the brake light to come on again but got the ABS bell to chime in just fine.
In the low 20's this morning. Plenty colder with the wind and ice. Appears the BRAKE light only comes on temporary when it's single digits or below.
It's definitely related to fluid volume/age. Light would generally go off once engine was warm for 10-20min. I had the same thing last winter, new fluid fixed it. Make sure fluid is checked after brake pedal is pumped until it goes flat to the floor (engine off).
