Check brake fluid - 'not'

Mountie · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-07, 03:05 AM

I get this "Disabled Traction Control", then the ABS warning light's up, along with the 'brake' warning, then I get the "Check Brake Fluid" ......

I feel no problem driving. No problem stopping. I check the brake fluid and it is full. There is no evidence of any leaks or drips. I did notice the fluid is very dark. I will change as much fluid out of the top, but would dirty brake fluid excite the computer? I didn't think the '93 STS computer was as good as HAL 9000......

All the warnings are silent today.

What the heck is up?

ewill3rd · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-07, 08:31 AM

Be sure the float in the fluid reservoir is floating.
Sometimes the float gives up and sinks, indicating to the sensor that the fluid is low. That will disable the ABS and traction systems because they can't work without brake fluid.
If the reservoir is low, it could be dipping low and tripping the sensor at times.

Mountie · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-07, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

Be sure the float in the fluid reservoir is floating.
Sometimes the float gives up and sinks, indicating to the sensor that the fluid is low. That will disable the ABS and traction systems because they can't work without brake fluid.
If the reservoir is low, it could be dipping low and tripping the sensor at times.

Makes sense to me..... I'll go fishing in the reservoir today.

ewill3rd · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-07, 02:17 PM

Sometimes it is right inside the lid opening, sometimes further back or forward.
I haven't seen too many fail, but I have seen some.

Mountie · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-07, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

Sometimes it is right inside the lid opening, sometimes further back or forward.
I haven't seen too many fail, but I have seen some.

It hasn't 'glitched' anymore..... maybe it was stuck, but I will check it out this weekend. Thanks

**Ranger** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 05:33 PM

Pull the codes as well.

danbuc · #7 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 05:40 PM

My front pads are so low that the fluid level in the reservoir has drop enough to the point where if I make a sudden stop then accelerate quickly (or vice versa) the fluid will slosh around enough to expose the sensor, causing the light to come on for a brief second then go away once the fluid settles. It never get's bad enough to expose the fill ports to the master cylinder but I'm sure it will. Either that, or I'm gonna be stopping with my backing plates. Front rotors and pads are getting changed in a few weeks as soon as I can convince my dispatcher at work (he's closes up our side of the shop) to have another shop night so I can do it.

Mountie · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

Pull the codes as well.

I don't know how to pull codes..... Never had to do it.

**Ranger** · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 07:39 PM

Simultaneously press and hold the OFF & PASSENGER WARMER buttons.

Danwec · #10 (**permalink**) 03-09-07, 08:15 PM

Had this happen once. I just unplugged and re-plugged the sensor connector at the reservoir and it was fine after.

Mountie · #11 (**permalink**) 03-12-07, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

Simultaneously press and hold the OFF & PASSENGER WARMER buttons.

I replaced the fluid in the reservoir & felt around for anything that moves in there & found nothing like a float ( that I could touch)........

My '93 has a "passenger warmer"?....button?

I'll also try the 'unplug' method.

**Ranger** · #12 (**permalink**) 03-12-07, 06:04 PM

If it does not have a "passenger warmer" button, then use the OFF & WARMER buttons. I can't remember the configuration year changes.

Mountie · #13 (**permalink**) 03-12-07, 10:56 PM

I'll try to do your suggestions.....the worst thing that could happen is my heater may turn off for a moment, but that's O.K., ...... It's been in the high 80's this last week ..

( rubbing it in)