Q: My brake light is blinking for some reason

asked by on May 19, 2016

The brake light on my car started blinking. These also flash the daytime running lights. My car has 40,000 miles on it. I've checked the following: The brake discs are an even temperature after driving - calipers are good. The pad wear sensors are not squealing. My steering wheel does not pull to one side or the other while driving. I only see the light when the outside temperature is hot. I don't see it during my morning commute, for instance. The emergency brake switch is brand new. The emergency brake signal line is not shorting out. The ABS system is working properly when I'm braking hard. And there are no faults in the computer. Any clues on what might be going on?

I’m not sure whether you’re talking about the brake warning light on the dash or the brake lights themselves.

If you’re referring to the brake warning on the dash, this indicates a problem with the braking system. If the brake light stays on but the ABS light goes out, suspect a low brake fluid level or a problem in the brake hydraulic system.

I can’t really get a clear picture of what is going on here, so I suggest you have a trained professional, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect the vehicle firsthand.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Warning lights on the dash are always lit up
The O2 sensors on on this vehicle are a known issue, and generally speaking when the O2 sensors go bad they affect the Stability control system. There have been multiple instances of these sensors failing on Toyota's between 60-70K miles....
How do you check the MyKey® status on my car?
Your car has the ability to track a lot of information about the MyKeys® that are programmed to work with it. Here’s what you need to know about the various system status messages. MyKey® Miles: This tells you the total...
How do I increase the cruise control speed?
Once the cruise control is set, you can increase the speed in two different ways: 1. Press and hold the Resume+ button. The car will accelerate while you hold the button, and you can release the button when you reach...
Check engine light on and the P0128 code is showing
The P0128 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0033-obd-ii-trouble-code-turbo-charger-or-supercharger-bypass-valve-control-circuit-by-john-nelson) is most likely caused by one of the following three issues: a faulty thermostat, a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor, or a processing error in the ECM. The coolant temperature needs to measured using a temperature...
I am curious if the Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia are the same vehicle?
Both of the vehicles were made by GM. They look the same but may have differences like external trim pieces and interior trims.
I notice that if DSC is ON and I go from a bumpy rough road to a Smooth Straight Road. I hear a "kum" "kum" sound from the rear.
DSC is your car's "Dynamic Stability Control" which is a form of traction control. Your car is equipped with sensors that monitor changes in the ride of the car which detect uneven surfaces or bumps in the road. These signals...
Transmission won't go into reverse after clutch replacement
Hello. If your vehicle is no longer going into gear after a clutch service, it may be possible that an issue occurred while the service was being done. Perhaps a problem with the clutch fork, or hydraulic clutch mechanism that...
Car will not start after replacing battery and alternator
The support bracket is a structural element and therefore must be installed to maintain proper alignment of the alternator. However, as far as its temporary omission being a possible cause of the no start, it has nothing to do with...
had to make a sudden stop and now car makes a clicking sound when step on brakes
Hi there. The clicking sound you hear when braking might be a worn suspension component and not related to the brakes. Sway bar links for example can make clicking sounds when the bushings are worn. If ball joints are worn,...

Related articles

How Anti-Lock Brakes Work
An An anti-lock brake system (ABS) is a braking system that is made to allow a vehicle to maintain traction with the road when braking. Braking is controlled by driver input via the brake pedal, and older braking systems response...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The The newly redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has transformed it from a more practical and elegant vehicle to one that is noticeably sporty with a bit more aggression. Designed for the affluent who want both performance and sophistication, while also...
5 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Most Most newer vehicles come equipped with anti-lock braking systems, also known as ABS, in the vehicle. ABS helps to prevent the vehicle from skidding and helps the driver to maintain control when applying the brakes. Here are the 5...