Brake light indicator stays on - 02 Accord auto

[M1Accord]

The brake light indicator on the dashboard stays on even after e-brake is released and car is being driven. I couldn't feel the drag but most imports don't produce much, if any drag, when e-brake is left on. At the intersection, I put the e-brake on and the car couldn't move until the e-brake was released, so I know that the mechanical system is working and there is no drag.

This problem started this morning and didn't go away when I repeatedly turn the car off and back on. It went away when the car warmed up. My initial evaluation is that the brake fluid could be low or that the pads need changing. I am due for a brake fluid change soon and the car is riding on the same pads since new for 72k miles. I am very light on brakes and brake pressure and stoppage are still very strong, so I don't think I need new pads. I'll check the fluid level when the rain stops.

Is there anything else I need to check? Also, at what level my brake fluid should be at when the car is warm; right at full mark?

Thank you.

 

[paul246]

You are most likely in need of new pads and rotor resurfacing and certainly you are in need of a brake fluid flush at 72k, not a mere top up of fluid.

 

[chevrofreak]

Check your ABS fuse.

 

[Market525]

This vintage Accord has a float in the master cylinder that will turn that light on when the fluid is low. Being a 2002, I highly doubt that you have rotten brake lines or a leaking caliper or wheel cylinder.

So I'd say fluid is low.

If fluid is low with zero leaks - as I suspect, then it is low because of worn pads/shoes. Again, an educated guess, but I'd say at that mileage the rear shoes are fine - but the front pads are worn. As was mentioned earlier, you will most likely need front pads and new front rotors. And I support the other comment on a brake fluid FLUSH, not a top off while doing this service.

Brakes are an easy job on the Accords. I prefer Honda pads myself, but I'm sure others here feel differently.

Good luck,
Steve

PS - is the car an EX or LX? EX models have 4 wheel disc brakes, the others have front disc, rear drum.

 

[ccs v2.0]

Start with reading your owners manual, page 329 to be exact.

 

[KrisZ]

My 95 Accord had the same feature, when the brake fluid was at minimum the parking brake light would be on.
As others stated, probably the pads are worn therefore fluid level dropped. Check your pads before topping your brake fluid.

 

[mechtech2]

Braking performance has nothing to do with the pads being almost worn out.
Sure, when they are way past worn out you will feel a difference, but not when they are simply too thin.
Anyway, the parking brake switch or the brake fluid level are the prime suspects for your warning light.

 

[Mau]

brake fluid