View Full Version : help


bobbydigital87
06-14-2001, 08:56 PM
i needed brakes for my 87 5000, and the warning light was on . i got new brakes and it wont turn off . does any one know how to turn them off??

SteveAngry
06-14-2001, 10:34 PM
I'll assume it's the one for worn brake pads? Did you get pads with sensors? Are the sensors connected? Are the sensors connections loose?

If it's the other warning light(s) let us know in more detail:)

Steve Ankney
88 5000
Holland, MI

bobbydigital87
06-15-2001, 10:36 AM
its the one one the auto check system that told me my brakes were bad . i got new ppads and roders but still the light will not go off

bobbydigital87
06-15-2001, 02:21 PM
its the light that beeps and says "BRAKES" with the triagle in back that tells me the brake pads are worn. i got brand new brake pads and roders and the light will not go off and it continues to beep.

SteveJ_in_TX
06-16-2001, 08:08 AM
If you are getting the 'brakes' symbol inside the red triangle, stop driving it as you are putting yourself and others in jeopardy if the system fails (if you have doubts, do a search on this site for the user name 92 100 CS).

First, check the basics: do you have enough fluid in the brake fluid resevoir? This would trigger the alarm if you are low on fluid.

Also, if yours is a turbo car with hydraulic assist steering/brakes, you may be low on the mineral based hydraulic fluid. This is in the round container just to the left of the brake master cylinder as you look at it from the front of the car. DO NOT use regular chain store power steering fluid in this, you will trash your power steering pump and steering rack in short order if you do. Go to an import auto parts place and get some Pentosin hydraulic fluid or equivalent. This stuff is commonly referred to as 'green gold' as it is pricey if you have a leak.

Also, does the brake alarm come on only when you dive on the brakes in a panic stop? If so, your hydraulic accumulator (aka 'the bomb'as it looks like a German hand grenade) may be on the way out. Crank up your engine, idle for a minute or two to charge up your bomb, then shut the engine off. Pump the brake pedal and count the number of strokes before the pedal goes rock hard. A new bomb will give 25+ strokes before it goes rock hard, if it is 5 or fewer it's time to break out the checkbook. If it is the original bomb I would put money on the fact that it is dead as they only last about 7 or 8 years.

Give us more details and let us know how it turns out.

-Steve Jensen
87 5kcstq
87 5kcstqw

SteveAngry
06-16-2001, 11:55 AM
Stop driving it until you get the system figured out.

Also next time you need help be more specific detailwise:)

Steve Ankney
88 5000
Holland, MI

DaveN
06-17-2001, 10:48 AM
it doesn't last a lot longer than the bomb. and acts real similar.

B4S4
06-17-2001, 03:37 PM
Do you have an owners manual? It will tell you what the light means. I agree with all the responses posted. It could also be the wires (or switch) to the top of the hydo fluid resovoir, or the wires (or switch) on the master cyl. resovoir. What year and model do you have? Get an owners manual, lots of good info!!!
Chris
91 20v avant