Electrical problem with my 2001 Honda?

2001 Honda Accord's Brake System Indicator light comes on from time to time, what is the problem?

• Hey! I have a 2001 Honda Accord with about 88,000 miles. The Brake System Indicator light comes on from time to time. Sometimes it comes on when I start the car and stays on or sometimes when I'm driving it comes on and then it also goes "off" at random times as well. It is a RED light in the dash board that says BRAKE. My emergency brake is fine and not on. I have noticed when I press the brakes they are not making any noises and the car drives smooth. Though, I have noticed when I push the brakes lately (it seems as if I am pushing the pedal harder or it is going all the way down before the car slows down) instead of just hitting the brakes and the car stopping there is a little bit of a delay. I'm not sure if I need to get my fluid replaced or the brake pads, or something to do with the sensor etc. I have heard so many different things and do not want to spend extra money on unnecessary things. If anyone drives a Honda or knows of this issue and could help me that would be great. I'm not sure what to do at this point. I do not want to take it to the dealership either. Any suggestions?

• Answer:

  There are two possibilities. The first is fluid level. I expect you've already checked that,but as brake pads wear the space that the friction material used to occupy is replaced by the caliper piston moving out of its bore. That results in a lower fluid level. Even with worn out brakes however the fluid in the master cylinder shouldn't drop below the 'minimum' line. When I see this happen is often after the brake pads are replaced and a technician has removed fluid from the master cylinder during the pad replacement. simply filling the fluid above the minimum line on the master cylinder is enough to fix the light. 'the second and more likely possibility is that the float in the cap of the brake master cylinder is sticking. This is very common on Hondas. The float literally floats on top of the fluid. when it is full, the float keeps a switch 'open' and the light stays out. When the float drops, the circuit closes and the brake warning light come on. The problem is that the float sometimes sticks in the light ON position, or the switch starts shorting out. when that happens, you get an intermittant warning light as you describe. the fix is very simple; just remove the cap on the brake master cylinder and replace it. there should be one wire connector to the cap that comes apart. you can buy the replacement cap at any Honda dealer. I've replaced many of them and I'm almost certain that's your problem as long as the fluid level is correct. hope that helps