98 Ford Escort ABS Brake Light Problem

MJTZERO

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT

Hi, I have a 98 Ford Escort with 183000 miles on it. My problem is that when I drive the brake light on the dashboard(The one that lights up when you set your parking brake) will come on and off randomly. For example when I drive up the street and then come to a complete stop, nothing happens, but sometimes when I resume driving, the light will come on for a few seconds but then go out. Sometimes it doesn't happen at all, others times it will random come on and then go out. Thank you.

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

It's probably time for new brakes! The front disc brakes draw fluid down in the master cylinder as the pads wear, when enough fluid draws down into the calipers, the light comes on! Check your brakes!

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Monday, September 3rd, 2007 AT 11:13 AM

DSPLC

MECHANIC
220 POSTS

(maybe only) You just need to add brake fluid in the brake master cylinder reservoir. If it is low on fluid, there is a sensor (electric wire connected on the side of the reservoir) that lights up the dashboard brake light. When you are driving, the brake fluid in the reservoir shakes, turning the light on and off when fluid is low.
Cause of low fluid, most of the time as Merlin2021 wrote "brake pads wear".

By the way, that is not ABS light. If it is ABS light, then there is something wrong with your Anti-lock Brake System. Not the brake pads or the brake fluid.
It is the light showing " Brake P & I ", Anti-lock Brake System shows letters "ABS" light.

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Monday, September 3rd, 2007 AT 1:14 PM

MERLIN2021