brake light on gauge panel goes on

[TheRoaringEagle]

never had this happen before, didn't even know my dummy lights even worked, but my brake light comes on under strained braking, just before i make a complete stop. what does this mean?

my brakes feel not as responsive lately.

any help would be great



btw it's a 67 camaro

[MrQuick]

check your master for fluid level. if its low check your system thoughly for leaks. Lamp is a low pedal warning. If the master cylinder goes past a certain point it will come on.

Also check to see if your under dash harness is ok as the lamp is also for parking brake lever application. I've seen an under dash harness come loose and ground that wire when you applied the brakes.

[CHILI442]

My guess is that you have a slight leak somewhere. In the middle of the brake distribution block is a switch. If you loose brake pressure on one side (front / rear) it will trigger that switch and light the parking brake idiot light. Sound reasonable?

[TheRoaringEagle]

sounds very reasonable. i noticed a slight change in my braking feel after having to slam on them a little off a freeway ramp. probably leaked out the top of the reservoir. thanks i'll check tomorrow morning. would it be safe as a temporary fix to add a bit of fresh brake fluid? - i drive this car everyday.

[HILROD]

You'll need to check for leaks under the car. If there are no leaks to be seen, the master cyl. seal might be leaking interenally. Filling up the fluid won't fix it. Without fixing this I would not trust it to drive. The brakes could fail.

[TheRoaringEagle]

just checked the reservoir out. the rearward pocket is dry! well i didn't have time to check around for leaks, but i'll check after school. so it feels like my rear brakes are the only ones working right now? is that right - the rear reservoir is for the front?

Thanks for all your input - sad camaro pilot

[brn agn]

Speaking of the dash light; does anyone know how the factory sensor actually triggers the dash light? Is it simply a pressure sensor? Or does it activate the dash light once it is exposed (no brake fluid)? If it works off the latter, does the sensor ground out, which completes the circuit for the light?