my brake lights are on while the car is off

 

how do i fix this problem Thanks

 

Brake light switch near the pedal may be stuck. Check it out.

 

might be the cap on the brake master.

 

I think he is talking about the actual brake lights.

 

replace the blue plastic/rubber **** that contacts the brake switch on the pedal, I bet there is broken blue plastic on the floor

 

it may be your brake light switch

 

thanks i found out what it was the switch needed to be adjusted the brake pedal wasnt pushing the brake switch in i apperciate everyone help

 

wow i have a similar problem but its the hand brake or e-brake light that wont shut off event tho its not being used.

 

The brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir may be low.

 

before you go and dump some brake fluid in your master cylinder reservoir, look at the pads/rotors if they are worn out and trash, if so, you need new brakes, not brake fluid.

 

Isn't it easier to first check the brake fluid level?

 

if your master cylinder is empty, and your pads are wore out completely then the problems is the pads.

once oyu install new pads and push the caliper pistons back in, the fluid will be full again.

thats why he stated to check the pads.


so here is what you do.

first check your brake pads, if they are not worn out then go on to fluid level

if your fluid level is low, fill it up.

if the fluid level is not low you might need a new brake fluid cap, with floating device.

 

This is a good argument for checking the brake fluid level first.

 

yeah, but checking the pads first is a better idea because of safety.

that light wont hurt you, maybe your eyes.

if you just fill er up, and the problem is your pads are wore out (maybe the squealers broke off) then you have no brakes..

hmm that light might have been telling you something important

 

From a troubleshooting standpoint, the first logical step to take when the brake light is ON is to check the brake fluid level. If the fluid is low, then I completely agree with both Nate and you that the brake pads, drums, and rotors should be inspected for wear. Looking for a leak in the hydraulic system should also be done.

If the brake fluid level is fine, however, completely different troubleshooting would be done, for example checking the fluid sensor in the reservoir cap and the parking brake and its switch.

This method of troubleshooting avoids unnecessary work.

 

Also, the float in the MC may be stuck down, causing the brake light to stay on. The hand brake switch my also be stuck, also causing the brake light to stay on.

 

I have a 2001 Civic LX and have figured out that my problem is the pad or **** that contacts the brake switch. Is it possible to get just that part or should I just buy and install a whole new switch? If it's possible to get just the plastic/rubber knobby thing, what's it called? I don't want to ask the guy at the auto parts store for the "plastic knobby thing"...haha

Thanks for helping!

 

thanks to everybody, you were helpful as can be, the liquid was low but its true that the pads are the reason why its so low, i changed my pads and put more liquid and its fine now!

 

Doh! I should've read through the whole thread first!