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Brake failure light flickering??

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by AVFIN, Jul 21, 2005.

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  1. AVFIN

    AVFIN Karting

    Jun 5, 2005
    67
    Watchung NJ
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    Anthony Villanova
    #1 AVFIN, Jul 21, 2005
    I have an 86 Mondial Cab. that has a flickering brake failure light. I have not worked on a car since my 70 Mustang in college. Any input on what to look for, relay maybe or short?? These cars have a pretty elaberate electric system and I fear screwing it up.

    ANy input would be greatly appreciated....
     
  2. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
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    Walt P
    #2 WaltP, Jul 21, 2005
    Could it be low on brake fluid?
     
  3. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
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    Steve W.
    #3 FasterIsBetter, Jul 21, 2005
    Agree, first place to check. Is your handbrake fully releasing and the handle going all the way down? That can do it too. But low brake fluid or a sinking float on the sensor is the most common cause of those things. Of course, if your brake fluid is low, you should check the entire system and figure out why. Might have a slight leak somewhere.
     
  4. AVFIN

    AVFIN Karting

    Jun 5, 2005
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    Watchung NJ
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    Anthony Villanova
    #4 AVFIN, Jul 21, 2005
    I checked the brake handle it is fully disengaged. ( I have made that mistake before). The brakes were just done 2 weeks ago so I would figure the fluid is OK, but I will check tonight. How can I check the float??

    BTW.. Nice 308 Walt!! That is my other favorite Ferrari model !!!
     
  5. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
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    Steve W.
    #5 FasterIsBetter, Jul 21, 2005
    Well, now that's interesting. You hadn't mentioned before that the brakes were just done two weeks ago. Check the fluid level and see if it's down. If it is, check each of the bleed valves for a possible leak. Whoever bled them might have left one just ever so slightly short of tight and you've weeped out some fluid. It's also possible you've got a loose wire on the cap or in that harness from them taking the cap off and on. The sensor for the fluid is in the bottom of the cap, as I recall. Take a look at it.
     
  6. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    #6 rob lay, Jul 21, 2005
    YES YES YES!!!

    Rob finally has some good advice for Tech Q&A that no one else has mentioned yet…

    I'm sure the same with your Mondial, but on the 328 there is a front brake pad sensor wire and I'm sure it got moved in your brake job so some contact wore through the wire insullantion and that's what causes the flickering as it contacts metal to metal. Had it happen on the 328 and just adjusted the wire while wrapping the worn part with electrical tape.
     
  7. spang308

    spang308 Formula Junior

    Jul 17, 2004
    893
    York, PA
    #7 spang308, Jul 21, 2005
    Very good Rob.

    You get a gold star for the day! :)

    John
     
  8. AVFIN

    AVFIN Karting

    Jun 5, 2005
    67
    Watchung NJ
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    Anthony Villanova
    #8 AVFIN, Jul 21, 2005
    Thanks Rob, do I need to remove the front wheel to get their? Which side is the sensor on or is it both.

    BTW - Light is on permanently now. Broke fluid is fine and the brake peddle is not soft.
     
  9. WaltP

    WaltP Formula 3

    Nov 1, 2003
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    #9 WaltP, Jul 21, 2005
    Thanks Anthony!
    Good one Rob, I hope that's it!
     
  10. 4redude

    4redude Formula Junior

    Jan 13, 2005
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    Fungus Corner
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    Brian Keegan
    #10 4redude, Jul 21, 2005
    There is a brake proportioning valve in the system to balance front and rear braking. There is a switch/sensor on that. I would check to make sure the connection is tight and not corroded. If not,you may have to replace the switch/sensor (if sold separately) or the entire valve assembly. I am not positive right now where it is located, but I would start by removing the inner panels in the front compartment and following the brake lines.
    Brian
     
  11. AVFIN

    AVFIN Karting

    Jun 5, 2005
    67
    Watchung NJ
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    Anthony Villanova
    #11 AVFIN, Jul 21, 2005
    Thanks guys for the input I will be checking the system this weekend.
     
  12. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    #12 rob lay, Jul 23, 2005
    Yes, remove the wheel. It runs from the caliper back up some clips to the suspension, up high on suspension is where mine was rubbing.
     
  13. jkstevens2

    jkstevens2 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2015
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    JK Stevens
    #13 jkstevens2, Jan 8, 2018
    I dont know if this was ever resolved, but I too have had a similar brake failure warning light come on. Turns out mine was related to the clutch slave cylinder leaking the shared brake / hydraulic clutch fluid. I checked this post a couple weeks ago looking for clues to my brake failure light and did not find a suitable answer. I also had other clues that needed to be taken into account.......the leaking oil on the rear clutch side of the motor. Not motor oil but brake/clutch fluid. Unfortunately I drove the car until the clutch completely died and had to get her towed. Now I know.
     

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