Honda Brake Q...

[Boozehound]

A Q for those in the detailed Honda know.

My wife's 98 Accord LX (4 cyl, no ABS) has been lighting up the idiot light for the brakes recently. It comes on and stays on solid, and every now and again it goes off for a while. It never flashes, just on solid when it's on. I've checked the fluid level, the pads haven't hit their wear indicators (not that it should throw a light anyways), and it doesn't appear (cursory inspection) that the wheel cyclinders are leaking. Since there's no ABS this should be pretty straight forward, right? I'm thinking the e-brake might be sticking (?), but it doesn't act like there's any drag on it.

Thoughts?

 

[Mobyhorn]

Could be a switch where the e-brake handle makes contact with the switch and activates the light. Switch could be faulty or stuck. Usually the switch is around the e-brake handle housing so that when the handle is raised it makes contact with the switch and releases contact when lowered.

Since there's no ABS, there is usually a brake fluid level sensor that is built into the bf cap (wires come out from the cap). Also, Hondas are notorious for fluid level sensitivity, so that just a little off full will trigger it. Same with Acura. The worst case could be that the master brake cylinder or hose is leaking slightly. You need to monitor the fluid level for awhile to see or have a trusted mechanic rack the car and inspect.

 

[horn4life]

paging accurate horn...

 

[Boozehound]

Didn't think of the e-brake switch... Good stuff Mobyhorn. I think I'll poke around with it this weekend...

 

[accuratehorn]

Didn't see this until today-but mobyhorn pretty much nailed it.
Most likely-fluid level a little low, and you go around a turn and the light comes on. There is a plunger that rides up and down in the brake fluid reservoir like a toilet float in your bathroom plumbing, and it senses the level.
The e-brake handle also causes the light to come on, but usually wiggling it slightly while driving will tell you if it is the cause. We don't see that very often as a cause of the light acting up on Hondas-usually it is the float in the reservoir. As your pads wear, the level goes down a little very gradually, and the light will come on. It may be time for a brake job.
I have a Honda shop if you need anything.