Hi all, am experiencing an intermittent amber brake warning dash lamp and getting a message to check my brake pads. I have checked and replaced front and rear pads and the sensors, but am still getting the intermittent amber brake warning light and message. My fluid level is correct at the reservoir and I'm wondering if there are ever any problems with the float level sensor as in the coolant level sensor problem? Anyone else with a similar issue? I will be perhaps experimenting with that brake reservoir float but so far it looks like it is operating correctly, so am a bit confused...

 

I have no idea about your problem but that's a great collection of old trucks in your signature! I had a 70 and 76 FJ55 and miss them terribly. Back to your regular programming...

 

I'd start by checking the sensors again. They're pretty fragile, especially if re-used. I ended up shorting mine because they're a pain and just periodically check the pads. It sounds like you may have a wire giving a false reading.

 

When does it happen? If applying brakes, its the sensors. If not, then maybe you did not plug a new sensor in all the way? They work by being open, so anything not plugged in all the way or a damaged wire can cause the warning.

 

It happens usually when driving on the highway after about 2 hours at highway speed (75 mph). Next time you start and stop the car it will disappear for perhaps a week, and then for whatever reason will come back on, then like yesterday, it's gone again. It is certainly an electrical problem, but next time it comes on I'll disconnect the master cylinder float circuit and see if it changes things.

 

Actually I sold that FJ55 (red & white) to a friend and now his brother has it, pretty rusty though, should have kept that Bronco (blue/white & 3 in the tree), it was my favourite, but unfortunately University tuition needed to be paid and that was my only way to get the cash. The Bronco had only a mild steel uninsulated roof, and that took a long time to warm up at -40. Once I drove it (highway speed) for about 5 miles on a summer day with the roof off and the windshield down, it was too much, had to put the windshield back up. The Blazer (red/white) had a pop top camper and with the 400 could climb hills in the Rockies no problem! Had lots of fun camping and using all of them...

 

The sensors are both checking out OK, I replaced the new ones with the old ones and still get this intermittent amber brake warning, very frustrating...

 

December 23 2020, looks like it was the float (part of the reservoir cap), sort of sticking low, freed it up and so far no more amber light, keeping my fingers crossed!

 

Well, I spoke too soon! The warning has come back so I'll do some more digging...

 

Well, ripped the whole rear brake system on both sides apart and found that some previous soul had RTV'd the whole set of pads to the carrier, replaced all pads and holders with new and pulled and lubricated the slide pins, so far no amber light on but I'm not holding my breath, a very strange problem...