My Parking Brake?Brake Fluid Level Warning Light and the charging System warning light comes on after i drive a short distance and may go out and then come back on . I have noticed when its Idealing if sounds like the engine drags down so to speak when the lights go out , if that helps , yes belts are tight and fluid levels are ok . its not just one light both come on and off at the same time . Thanks for any informations u can give me

CHECK OR HAVE SOMEONE CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL, BE SURE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT ON!

Brake warning light.

If the light is on all the time, it could mean you simply forgot to release the parking (emergency) brake. The brake warning light remains on when the brake is set as a reminder. If the brake warning light remains on when the parking brake is released, then something is amiss.
In some cases, the brake warning light may remain on if the switch on the parking brake pedal or lever is misadjusted. Nothing is wrong with the brakes and a simple adjustment should fix the problem.
If the brake warning light comes on when you apply the brakes, or is on continuously, it means that hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side of the brake system or that the fluid level in the master cylinder is dangerously low (due to a leak somewhere in the brake system). In either case, the fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked. Adding brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir may temporarily solve the problem. But if there's a leak, the new fluid will soon be lost and the warning light will come back on.

http://autos.yahoo.com/maintain/repairqa/warning_lights/ques010_0.html

Hi, there are 3 things that can cause the light to stay on.
One is the parking brake switch, which may have shorted internally or to chassis ground. The switch is above the parking brake pedal. If the connector is still on the switch remove it. If the light goes out, replace the switch.

The second is the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. Check fluid level. If good, check the sensor by taking the cable off. If that puts the light out, replace the sensor.

The third is the pressure differential warning switch. The switch turns on when there is a brake failure. You would probably know if this happened. If not, check all wheels for brake fluid leaks. If you have a leak and need help with repair procedures, please get back to me. If you have completed repairs, please read the procedures below from autozone.com to reset the warning switch.

Please let me know if you have any questions and thanks for using FixYa.


From autozone.com:
A pressure differential warning valve is incorporated in the hydraulic system. The signal from this valve consists of a warning light on the dashboard activated by a differential pressure switch located below the master cylinder. The signal indicates a hydraulic pressure differential between the front and rear brakes of 80-150 psi, and should warn the driver that a hydraulic failure has occurred.
After repairing and bleeding any part of the hydraulic system the warning light may remain on due to the pressure differential valve remaining in the off-center position. To centralize the valve a pressure difference must be created in the opposite branch of the hydraulic system that was repaired or bled last.
Front wheel balancing of cars equipped with disc brakes may also cause a pressure differential in the front branch of the system.

VALVE CENTERING PROCEDURE

1. Turn the ignition to either the ACC or ON position.
2. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoirs. Fill to within 1 / 4 in. (6mm) of the top if necessary.
3. Depress the brake pedal firmly. The valve will centralize itself causing the brake warning light to go out.
4. Turn the ignition off.
5. Prior to driving the vehicle, check the operation of the brakes and obtain a firm pedal.

Hello,

If the light is on all the time, it could mean you simply forgot to release the
parking (emergency) brake. The brake warning light remains on when the brake is set
as a reminder. If the brake warning light remains on when the parking brake is
released, then something is amiss.

In some cases, the brake warning light may remain on if the switch on the parking
brake pedal or lever is misadjusted. Nothing is wrong with the brakes and a simple
adjustment should fix the problem.

If the brake warning light comes on when you apply the brakes,
or is on continuously, it means that hydraulic pressure has been lost in one side
of the brake system or that the fluid level in the master cylinder is dangerously
low (due to a leak somewhere in the brake system).
In either case, the fluid level in the master cylinder should be checked.
Adding brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir may temporarily solve the
problem. But if there's a leak, the new fluid will soon be lost and the warning
light will come back on.

Brake fluid leaks are serious because they may cause the brakes to fail!
So avoid driving the vehicle until the system can be inspected to determine what's
wrong. Leaks can occur in brake hoses, brake lines, disc brake calipers,
drum brake wheel cylinders or the master cylinder itself.
Wet spots at hose or line connections would indicate a leak that needs to be fixed.

Leaking brake fluid can also contaminate the brake linings,
causing them to slip or grab. The uneven braking action that results may cause the
vehicle to veer to one side when the brakes are applied. Brake shoes or pads that
have been contaminated with brake fluid cannot be dried out and must be replaced.

Hope this helps.

Look at fluid level, some systems invoke the parking light for low fluid. I presume to confuse you. I think the thinking works like this: When you have full new brakes and full M/C by the time the M/C fluid gets consumes by prake pad consumption, the light goes off. If you replaced the front pads, the fluid gets pushed back into the M/C resovoir, and the light goes out. Bet that you are pretty close to needing pads, presuming no leaks or other issues.

System has a fault and needs troubleshooting.

According to the 2003 Ford TaurusOwners Manual:

"Brake system warning light: To confirm the brake system warning light is functional, it will
momentarily illuminate when the ignition is turned to the ON position when the engine is not running, or in a position between ON and START,
or by applying the parking brake when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the brake system warning light does not illuminate at this
time, seek service immediately from your dealership. Illumination after releasing the parking brake indicates low brake fluid level and the brake
system should be inspected immediately by your servicing dealership."

In short, as your brake linings (pads and shoes) wear out, the brake fluid level in the reservoir goes down.

You're probably right at the point where the level gets low enough to turn on the warning only under specific circumstances (cornering? hard braking?).

You can top off the fluid for the short term, but you should have your brakes inspected fairly soon.

hi from uk if you are saying the parkbrake warning light on dash comes on whilst driving ?? this light/warning is also linked to the brake fluid reservoir level and if level is low ? it will cause parkbrake light to come on the low fluid level may be simply the displacement of fluid as the brakepads/shoes wear thin over time so req's topping up however !if fluid is very low? may i suggest you make sure you do not have a leak somewhere ie cylinders? considering age of vehicle might be worth checkingbrke pads if not recently replaced ? and renew them if req'd? hope this helps ?

Your best bet is to go HERE and signup for a free account then Downloading your Manual - service sheets, diagrams, parts lists etc.
Hyundai is one of the best with providing their customers with free information about the vehicles!!

I have D/L the manual, and the warning lamps on the instrument cluster are...
Left to right...(starting under temp. Gauge)

WITHOUT TRIP COMPUTER
11. Traction Control Indicator Light (If installed)

12. ABS Warning Light (If installed)

13. Seat Belt Warning Light

14. Oil Pressure Warning Light

15. Charging System Warning Light

16. Parking Brake/Brake Fluid Level Warning
Light

17. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

18. SRS (Airbag) Warning Light

19. Trip Odometer/Odometer

20. Trip Odometer Reset Knob

21. Low Fuel Warning Light

WITH TRIP COMPUTER

7. Front Fog Indicator Light (If installed)

8. Door Ajar Warning Light

9. Trunk Lid Open Warning Light

10. Parking Brake/Brake Fluid Level Warning
Light

11. Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)

12. Charging System Warning Light

13. Oil Pressure Warning Light

14. SRS (Airbag) Warning Light

15. Cruise Indicator Light (If installed)

16. Seat Belt Warning Light

17. ABS Warning Light (If installed)

18. Traction Control Indicator Light (If installed)

19. Automatic Transaxle Position Indicator Light
(Auto T/A only)

22. Low Fuel Warning Light


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