By Ed (24.43.71.141) on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 08:49 pm:

Well.... I thought I got rid of the problem. New floats in the master cylinder, topped up the brake fluid , checked for a loose ground wire for the handbrake, no leaks on the driveway or near the bleeders AND it still stops on a dime.

BUT

the dashboard brake light still comes on. (1976 Civic 1200 w. power booster)

I noticed the fluid level is down slightly in the front master cylinder barrel. AND that the dashboard brake light seems brighter after I have parked the car on an incline, nose first. BUT the brakes still work fine.

HELP... any suggestions?
I am still only a neophyte mechanic.

any help is greatly appreciated

Ed

By stace23 (24.69.123.157) on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 10:07 pm:

narrow down your search by first disconnecting the park brake switch, then the master cylinder switch to see where the problem lies.

By Adrian (Civicguru) (203.42.97.227) on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 - 10:08 pm:

Bit of a long shot but if it's nothing to do with the fluid level sensors in the reservoir(s) then it may be a problem with the test relay (shorting out or something.) If you look under the dash you will find a relay that turns on the brake indicator light to test if the light works. I think it turns on when you have the key in the "acc" position. You should hear a little click from under the dash when it turns on and off.

By civic1200freak (65.33.56.112) on Wednesday, July 11, 2001 - 08:40 pm:

also, Don't forget to check the switch at the proportioning valve. It detects more fluid flow per cross circut. this maybe a worldwide thing, or U.S. spec cars only. My 74 and 76 both have them, but my 79's dont. Hope this helps...

By ZAP Florida (12.94.3.115) on Tuesday, July 17, 2001 - 05:58 am:

I have a similar problem on my '78 - the red light on the dash does not go off. This started when I was playing around with the carpeting (putting it over the hand brake lever) one afternoon. I was told that there is a plastic "switch" or similar near the handbrake lever that frequently cracks/breaks, and that this was what was causing the problem. If I stick my finger down near where the lever enters the floor, feeling for the wires, I can indeed get the brake light to go off... So, apparently I need to either go to the dealer or the yard - but I'm lazy! Anyway, try messing around with the ignition key turned to "accessory" or whatever to get the light on, and see if this doesn't at least show results...

By Ed (24.43.71.141) on Tuesday, July 17, 2001 - 06:50 pm:

Well.... it's not the switch, it's not the handbrake lever, it's not the wires on the master cylinder, GUESS WHAT..... it's a fluid leak !!!! This is now the third time I have topped up the master cylinder barrel. Only a little was lost each time. STILL... some was lost... Where do I start ? Ed

By superforce (24.67.176.212) on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - 07:39 am:

Does the light go out when you top up the fluid?I once encountered a master cylinder that leaked into the booster,if you can't find a visable leak this might be your problem.

By Todd (63.52.17.25) on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - 01:33 pm:

The next place of non visible leakage would be the slave cylinders on the rears. Be aware that the fluid level will drop normally as your brake pads wear.

By quikrick (63.204.16.66) on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - 01:58 pm:

If you hear or feel a soft "clunk" (wet shoes are sticking to the drums) at the rear brakes after releasing the parking brake... one or both of your rear cylinders are leaking.

By Ed (24.43.71.141) on Wednesday, July 18, 2001 - 09:09 pm:

Thanks for the help. quickrick: There is no clunk after the parking brake is released. Todd: I will check the rear cylinders for wetness. BUT... half a bottle of fluid in only a few months seems too much. Superforce: yes the light does go out when I top up the fluid. yes it does have a booster. Some of this may be beyond my backyard mechanic knowledge. Perhaps it's time for the dealer to look under the hood.... I know..... $$$$$$$$$$$$, but at least I know the mechanic (he drives a 78 CVCC daily !!!!!)