Brake light comes on in cold weather

Jan 30, 2004 1 Replies

We are in the midst of our annual deep-freeze in the Midwest, and I've noticed an odd thing about my new (to me) '97 Tacoma's brake warning indicator.



When it's just "regular" cold outside, say 10-20deg F, it tends to come on when I make a high-g turn, like when I merge onto the expressway from a cloverleaf onramp. It stays on for a minute or so, then goes out. Pumping the brakes does not seem to affect the time it takes to go out.



Today, when it's "pretty" cold outside (-2deg F) it came on when I pulled out of my driveway, and stayed on most of the trip in. The brakes didn't feel any different than they usually do (thank Eris - I had to make more than one quick stop thanks to idiots, who apparently now feel that *cold* is a hazardous driving condition, even if it doesn't involve snow or ice.) There was some high-speed driving (not enough) some low-speed, and some inching-along, none of which made the light go out.



My theory is that it's a bit low on fluid, and it's contracting in the cold. I'll check it this weekend, when it's light outside (it's dark when I leave, it's dark when I get home) and hopefully a bit warmer. Any other possibilities?



D

The cold is making the little slider thingy that rises/lowers with fluid level stick in one position... a position that indicates thou art low on fluid.

Just one possibility.

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