Brief brake light showing

[Bulletbob90]

I recently started seeing my brake sensor turn on for 5 seconds or so when I accelerate into a right turn. Usually only happens shortly after starting the car and is sometimes followed by a brief flash of the VDC warning light. Any ideas?

[DredM56]

I had this issue on my M and it was the switch on the brake pedal.My car felt and was down on power when it was doing it. Low brake fluid and bad pads can also cause his.

[Ilya]

I had this issue on my M and it was the switch on the brake pedal.My car felt and was down on power when it was doing it. Low brake fluid and bad pads can also cause his.

Yup. This is exactly what it is. My car is currently doing it and I KNOW my car needs a brake job bad lol. I've just been super lazy. I have a brakemotive kit in the garage waiting for installation + all new fluid (Motul RBF600).

Step 1: Check brake fluid level
Step 2: Check brake pads

BTW, welcome to the forum.

[Bulletbob90]

Thanks, much appreciated

[PostalsQ]

Stupid question. But did you check your brake fluid? Could this be caused from low level in the master cylinder resovoir?

Didn't see Ilya mentioned it above.

[DredM56]

If your fluid is low check the pads before you add fluid. The level is affected by the pad thickness

[ArmedAviator]

Dred is correct. If the brake fluid is low, it more than likely means it is time to replace your brake pads and possibly rotors. If you refill and then change brake pads, the reservoir will overflow.

[Ilya]

Dred is correct. If the brake fluid is low, it more than likely means it is time to replace your brake pads and possibly rotors. If you refill and then change brake pads, the reservoir will overflow.

While true, IMO, everyone should bleed the brakes no matter what they do. Whether it's just a pad change, rotor change, or entire caliper replacement. If you bleed the brakes after changing the pads, even if you only filled the resevoir before it should balance out. Hell, you'll likely need to add fluid either way.

So you could reverse step 1 and 2, but in the end, the result will likely be the same IMO.

[ArmedAviator]

Yes, brakes should be bled every few years at a minimum. I choose to do it every other year with off the shelf DOT 4 fluid. You can flush before pad change, but when completed leave the reservoir low, replace pads, and then top off.

[GMBQ70]

My car just recently started doing this. That’s what I love about this forum…a quick search and I have my answer. I know it’s time for new brakes, and I’m also getting the VDC indicator as well.