How to fix service brake system? Steps to reset the service brake system light
If your service brake system isn’t running as it should, don’t worry—you can fix it yourself! You can fix a corroded line or poor brake friction material with a few simple steps.
In this post, Tony Flynn will cover how to fix service brake system so that you can drive with confidence. Plus, read on for more information about the steps to reset the service brake system light!
How to fix service brake system?
How to fix service brake system?
Once you determine which of these problems is the root of the service brake system warning light, you can quickly fix it.
Review the error code and fix the issue.
When the service brake system light on the dashboard flashes, check the trouble code. Using an OBD-II scanner, locate the code and issue. The service brake warning light will be turned off once the issue has been fixed.
You could also take your car to a mechanic, who will use a sophisticated scanner to identify and fix the issue.
Change the defective brake pressure sensor.
The service brake system light turns on if the brake pressure sensor is malfunctioning. To repair the service brake system, you must swap out the broken brake pressure sensor.
The brake pressure sensor is typically found on the side of the master cylinder, though it may also be found in the ABS unit in some cars.
If you have some experience with brake system components, you can replace it without much difficulty. If not, you can get a mechanic to do it for you.
It will cost around $220 to replace a faulty brake pressure sensor.
Repair the defective brake booster.
The brake booster is a part of the car that increases the force the driver applies to the brake pedal. The service brake system warning light may also come on due to a malfunctioning brake booster.
The dashboard warning light for your brake system will go out if you replace the damaged brake booster. The price to replace the brake booster ranges from $100 to $450; if you hire a mechanic, the price could rise from $250 to $850.
Verify the check valve and vacuum leaks.
Brake boosters need a vacuum. Cars have a vacuum hose from the engine intake manifold to the brake booster. A check valve also prevents brake booster vacuum from building up when accelerating.
If this check valve fails or a vacuum leak occurs, the service brake assist system may activate. Diesel engines may have broken vacuum pumps.
Add the correct amount of brake fluid
The service brake system warning light on your car is frequently caused by an inadequate level of brake fluid. When the brake fluid level is low or dirty, the ECU activates the service brake system light and the service brake system warning light.
You can check the brake fluid level in a minute or two. If the level is low, top-quality brake fluid can be added to the cylinder or old brake fluid can be replaced.
It is advised to replace the brake fluid every 30,000 miles or two years. To prevent unforeseen issues, heed the advice.
Update the Warning Light’s software.
The service brake system warning light may occasionally illuminate due to programming issues. Although the brake system is working properly in this instance, the dashboard warning light for the service brake system is on.
The problem can be fixed by resetting or reprograming the warning light.
About the service brake system
About the service brake system
Brake assist improves braking, especially in emergencies. This is meant to supplement the driver’s regular braking by applying additional pressure as needed.
Your car’s computer software and sensors detect impending accidents or increased stopping power. The brake assist automatically increases brake pressure until you stop.
The importance of the brake assist system
The brake assist prevents accidents during emergency stops by measuring brake pedal pressure. It prioritizes safety and responsiveness by ensuring that there is enough stopping power when it matters most.
If the accelerator isn’t pressed enough, the system will use hydraulic pressure to brake faster. In an emergency, this extra force helps your car stop faster, saving lives!
Brake assist vs. ABS
Modern cars have brake assist. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now standard on all cars. Both systems aim to improve braking. Brake assist increases brake pedal pressure in emergencies.
It helps drivers avoid collisions. If the wheels lock up, ABS maintains the vehicle’s brakes. It improves car control. ABS prevents wheel lockup, allowing safe stopping.
Brake assist vs. Automatic emergency braking
Autonomous emergency braking and brake assist are different. Brake assist exerts pressure. If you press the pedal but not hard enough, the sophisticated system will give you the boost you need.
However, the automatic emergency braking system works automatically. If you don’t stop after the warnings, the car will brake automatically. The operation is automated. It’s optional but usually included in cars’ safety packages.
The meaning of the “service brake system” warning light
The meaning of the service brake system warning light
Brake lights are found in most cars today. Many have two or three lights: one for ABS, one for parking brake, and one for braking system malfunction.
Your car’s make, model, year, and features affect its dashboard light triggers. Once you have an overview of these general rules, be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for a more accurate insight into their meanings.
- The ABS light is composed of the letters “ABS” arranged circularly with bracket-like curves on either side. When the anti-lock braking system kicks into motion, this light will flash. However, if it remains lit, you may be experiencing an issue and should investigate accordingly.
- A capital “P” or exclamation mark inside a circle, or “BRAKE” on top, indicates the parking brake is engaged. As soon as you move your car while applying the brakes, this warning sign will appear and remain lit until you disengage them. In case the light stays on regardless, refer to the next section for potential issues that might be causing it.
- The BRAKE light on your dashboard reads “BRAKE”. If you drive without the parking brake, this warning can cause serious brake failure.
Service brake assist light triggers
Service brake assist light triggers
Why is my service brake system light on?
Brake fluid is low.
If your brake fluid is low or a part breaks, the service brake assist light will come on. A lack of fluid can affect the ABS valve and brake performance. Low fluid levels make pedals feel spongy, which decreases driver skill and increases stopping distance.
Connectivity problems
Corrosion in the electrical system can damage wire harnesses and wiring harnesses. Wires may become brittle or loose, affecting your car’s braking system.
Damaged brake pads
As an integral part of your braking system, brake pads can degrade over time. If this happens, your brake pads are worn, putting yourself and those around you in danger.
Leaky vacuum
Vacuum leaks into the brake booster often cause failure or non-operation. Leaks in your ABS can make driving difficult.
You could crash or lose control. Leaks in the brake booster can cause overheating and master and wheel cylinder piston failure.
Defective brake booster
Your car’s brake booster works with the master cylinder’s piston and flexible tube. The piston pushes back against this flexible tube when you press the brake pedal, making your foot press harder.
The intake manifold’s vacuum moves the piston, which is just air being pulled into the engine. Your car will activate its ABS (anti-lock braking system) to compensate for a lack of vacuum.
Steps to disable the service brake system light
Steps to disable the service brake system light
The service brake system light on the dashboard typically appears for five reasons.
- You must first figure out what makes the light come on before you can diagnose and find out why it is on.
- Once you’ve found out what’s wrong, you can use the steps in this article to turn off the service brake system light.
Steps to reset the service brake system light
Steps to reset the service brake system light
To reset the service brake light, follow these four steps:
- Locate the positive and negative cables in your car’s battery.
- The battery negative cable should be disconnected.
- By depressing the brake pedal, make sure there is no electricity left in the car.
- Reconnect the cable after five minutes have passed.
The method for turning off the service brake system light usually works.
The proper time to reset the service brake system light
The same system services drum, disc, and ABS/EBD vehicles. This system checks brake performance. Resetting the SVS light is necessary for brake service.
A braking system problem activates the SVS light. Some vehicles’ service brake system lights can be reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. You can also use another scan tool to reset SVS lights. Check the SVS light immediately. Before resetting or reconnecting the battery, fill the brake fluid if it’s low.
A dedicated scan tool can monitor and reset ABS systems in vehicles. Fault codes from the scan tool may help identify the SVS light’s cause.
Resetting the Chevy Silverado service brake system light
Resetting the service brake system light on your Silverado Sierra doesn’t have to be a hassle. Follow these steps carefully, and you will quickly reset the light after any type of brake work.
Step 1: Turning off to on ignition key
To activate your ECM/PCM, press and hold the ignition key for 10 seconds without starting the engine. This requires turning it eight times in a row within that same period.
Step 2: Depress and maintain pressure on the brake pedal.
Hold the brake pedal for 5 seconds before releasing it with the key on. The instrument panel odometer’s factory Mode S code. If you don’t have a manual, check your owner’s ID card or door jamb label. The top left is the card’s 10-digit code.
Step 3: Write code
This code should be written with a space and an asterisk.
Step 4: Deactivate the ignition key.
Before you drive to work, ensure that the ignition key is turned off and any trouble codes are no longer visible on your ECM/PCM. To reset your computer system, take a 20-minute ride in your car. The after-run coolant pump maintains engine fuel and oil levels during this time.
Step 5: Activate the ignition key.
When you’re ready to get going, turn the ignition key and make sure that the red brake light comes on. If not, give it another go.
Is it safe to drive with a service brake?
Is it safe to drive with a service brake?
Service brake lights indicate a problem with your brakes.
If you choose to drive under these conditions, a minor or major accident could become unavoidable due to an unreliable braking system. Taking precautions beforehand and getting the problem fixed will keep you and others safe while driving.
FAQs How to fix service brake system?
How much does a brake system repair cost?
Costs for complete brake repairs, which include replacing the pads, rotors, and calipers, can range from $300 to $800 per axle. Although getting your brake system repaired or replaced can be expensive, it’s a necessary part of being a responsible car owner.
What does “service brake system” on my Chevy mean?
What does it mean when my Chevy says service brakes? There is hydraulic loss on one side of your vehicle, or your brake fluid is extremely low in the master cylinder.
What occurs if your brakes aren’t maintained?
The brake calipers and rotors may be harmed.
To stop your car, the brake pads squeeze the rotor when you press the brake pedal. However, when the pads are too worn, the exposed metal grinds against the rotors when you brake, potentially damaging them.
Today’s automotive brake systems require little maintenance. Periodically, the master cylinder should be checked to insure that the brake fluid is at the proper level. If brake fluid is needed, make sure the fluid used is right for your vehicle’s brake system. Never add transmission fluid, oil or steering fluid to the master cylinder. This will severely damage rubber parts and cause the brakes to fail.
As cited in www.michigan.gov
What are the five essential elements of brake care?
Here are 5 keys to brake maintenance tips that will keep you safe while driving and help you save money at the same time.
- Check the brake rotors and pads.
- Replace or upgrade brake parts.
- Bleed the brake lines.
- Flush your brake fluid.
- Braking system maintenance.
Conclusion
Knowing how to diagnose and fix service brake system issues can save you time and money. The steps outlined in this blog post on mbhconcours.org will guide you to accurately assess the problem and effectively fix your service brake system.
