6 replies to this topic

[mrfmini]

Morning All,
Another post from mr newbie!...

Mini has been running fine, drove around a bit yesterday however came to it this morning and what i believe is to the the "brake warning light" (one next to choke - I have a Mini Neon) is lit solid..

Read a few forum posts and tested horn etc. that would be on the same fust and all working fine..
Where would i start looking to locate the reason why the light is now lit.

Car had its MOT less than a week ago, hoping it is just something electrical.

Is there any common connectors (locations would be great) that I need to check for corrosion/replacement?
Thanks in advance
Leeroy F

[jimnali]

If you mean the illuminating switch with the picture of a brake pedal then yes that is the brake warning light.

This is connected to the lid on the brake master cylinder and is used to warn you if the brake fluid level dropos below the recommended level.. Check the level of fluid in the reservoir and top up is necessary. If the level is low then it is vital that you find out why and get it fixed ASAP. If you have a leak your brakes will not be working efficiently and you run the risk of a complete brake failure.

The electrical circuit is very simple. There are two connections on the brake master cylinder - the power feed and an earth. If the fluid level is low, a float in the cap drops down and completes the circuit, switching on the warning light. The test switch simply connects the warning light to earth and tests that the bulb is working.

The usual faultwith the warning light is a failure in one (or both) of the connections interrupting the circuit - preventing the light from working at all. It would be unusual for the light to fail on. Check that there is not a short circuit near the switch.

[mrfmini]

Thanks very strange... Light was off again just now very odd. Car is going into have suspension checked Thursday am so will get the brakes checked then...hopefully just some wiring issues but will keep you posted. Leeroy G

[Carlos W]

You can check your brake fluid level very easily, I'd recommend doing this before driving anywhere!

[mrfmini]

Hi All,
Just to confirm that the terminals had indeed corroded on the cap and new cap is on order!...
The brake fluid level was indeed below the Minimum line so this is now topped up to inbetween min/max as required :).
Would explain why the light was off.
I will be running the car through its paces over the course of this afternoon so I shall check the brake flud levels each time I stop (and if it dissapears then it will confirm if a leak is present - no liquid patches under the car so hopefully it has just been allowed to get too low and not topped up by prevous owner...
Mini electrics are certainly fun and games :)
Thanks for your replies and assistance it is greatly appreciated :)

Kind Regards
Leeroy F

[jimnali]

Leeroy
As brake shoes/pads wear the fluid levels will naturally fall a little. However it is also quite possible that you have a dodgy brake cylinder which is weeping fluid. When thios comes in contact with the shoes the efficiency of your brakes will be adversely affected. You run the risk that the brakes will not work at all when you need to stop in a hurry.

DON'T DELAY - GET YOUR BRAKES CHECKED NOW! .

[mrfmini]

Hi Jim,

Brakes checked and all OK so nothing to panic about :).