Brake indicator on dash

[TheStig]

So recently in the morning when I leave to work im having the brake indicator light illuminated on my dash either sporadically, or constant for the first few minutes of driving. At first i thought i SOMEHOW brain-farted into leaving my parking brake up one click perhaps. But that is not the case as its completely down, yet when i jiggle it or pull it up ever so slightly (on the slack) it will go away shortly after.

Does "BRAKE" on your dash mean anything beyond the e-brake being set? Do we have this as a warning for another issue in the brake system? Just want to know if I need to take it by Ford to have this looked at.

 

[siberiankiss]

Mine showed up when my front pads needed to be changed.

 

[hydrix]

I had that happen to me last month, took it in to ford, they said one of the front calipers needed to be replaced, so they did.

 

[rexdriver85]

The brake warning light could mean the fluid level is low in the master cylinder. These cars DO NOT have pad wear sensors. Also, a brake warning light does not know if a mechanical part has failed, IE. a brake caliper. If a caliper fails and starts leaking, then the light would set because of a low fluid issue.

Check the level in the brake master cylinder and check the thickness of the brake pads on the front and rear. If the pads get low enough, the fluid in the master cylinder could get low enough to trigger the low level sensor. GL.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Yup what [MENTION=2513]rexdriver85[/MENTION] said check fluid on a flat level surface. Even if the pads are warned a bit the fluid should be enough to work well. Light on not a happy system. Else its a bad ebrake switch.

 

[TheStig]

Great, my brake pads were getting there so they must have finally gotten down far enough to cause a low fluid level warning. Merry Christmas to me.

 

[TheStig]

Anything i should be aware of when changing the pads and rotors? Tips? Tricks? Special tools (shouldnt be)?

Im going to get the HAWK HPS 5.0 Street front pads, HPS plus rears. And Stoptech Slotted economy replacement rotors (front and rear) from Modbargains.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Anything i should be aware of when changing the pads and rotors? Tips? Tricks? Special tools (shouldnt be)?

Im going to get the HAWK HPS 5.0 Street front pads, HPS plus rears. And Stoptech Slotted economy replacement rotors (front and rear) from Modbargains.

You do need a tool for the rear brakes as you need to twist and push. Discussion on the tool here:

http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/threads/6870-Brake-job-on-the-Fiesta

 

[TheStig]

My friend luckily has one so that wont be an issue, just didnt know if anyone got the Stoptech Slotted economy pads, or if everyone got the more expensive ones.