brake lights on

monkeyman · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 7:58 pm Post subject: brake lights on

hey guys,

in the process of working on my 85 caballero we snapped an old brake line, which caused it to leak most of the fluid out and turn the brake light on. now were in the middle of replacing the brake line and my neighbor notified us that theres some sort of valve or switch or something that we need a special tool in order to reset to turn the brake light off.

is this correct? if so whats the tool, and whats the name of the part we need to reset?

I'm completely lost on this as my knowledge of brakes extends to the process of just replacing the pads... Confused

MEvang · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 8:50 pm Post subject:

He is taking about the pressure differential valve. When the pressure drops in one side of the system, the higher pressure on the other side will trip the vale to the low side and bring on the light.
You will not need any special tools to reset it. In most cases it will reset as soon as the brakes are completely bleed.
But I have seen stubborn ones that don't want to reset. If this happens the first thing to try is a one or two hard raps on the brake pedal with the engine running. Most times this will do it.
Now, if this doesn't work you can try opening a front bleeder and slowly press down on the pedal while you watch the brake light. As soon as it goes out, stop! If you press be on this point the valve can switch to the other direction and the light will come back on.
If nothing here works and this is rare, the valve is in very bad condition and will need to be replaced.
Don't let this scare you, most times the light will simply reset by its self.
Good luck,
Mike
_________________
"That the automobile has practically reached the limit of its development is suggested by the fact that during the past year no improvements of a radical nature have been introduced." (Scientific American January 2, 1909).

monkeyman · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 10:52 pm Post subject:

thanks, that saves us a lot of time.

conquista90 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject:

I have the same problem, though my light just came on for no reason. Or so it seems. The only thing I can think of is that my brake fluid might be low?

1BadElky · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:13 pm Post subject:

check the fluid, and try bleeding it if it isn't low
_________________

Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

conquista90 · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject:

Yeah, fluid was a little low. Filled it up, the light has not gone off. Maybe it'll take a while? I reallllly don't want to bleed my brakes, but this light is kissing me off and I'm working on selling the car, sooo...

1BadElky · Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject:

bleeding brakes is not as much a PITA as you'd think. as long as you have 2 people. but I guess you know the procedure.
_________________

Formerly 86Conquista

Currently undergoing resto.
Planned:
-350/?/3.42
-ZQ8 wheels
-Disc Brakes
-More

awest · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 9:27 am Post subject:

IF, all else fails, remove the bulb !

CoyoteOn2 · Posted: Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject: