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Why is the brake light staying on in my Subaru?

If your Subaru's brake light is staying on, it could be due to a few different issues. The most common causes are a problem with the brake fluid level, a malfunctioning brake light switch, or a fault in the brake system's electrical wiring. Let's take a closer look at each of these potential causes and how to troubleshoot the problem.


Checking the Brake Fluid Level


One of the first things to check is the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is low, it can cause the brake light to stay illuminated. This is because the brake fluid level sensor is designed to trigger the brake light when the fluid gets too low. To fix this, simply top up the brake fluid to the proper level specified in your Subaru's owner's manual.


Inspecting the Brake Light Switch


Another common cause of a stuck-on brake light is a faulty brake light switch. The brake light switch is responsible for turning the brake lights on when you press the brake pedal. If the switch is stuck in the "on" position, it will keep the brake light illuminated even when the brakes are not applied. You can test the switch by pressing the brake pedal and listening for a clicking sound. If the switch is bad, it will need to be replaced.


Diagnosing Electrical Issues


In some cases, the brake light staying on can be due to an electrical problem in the vehicle's wiring. This could be a short circuit, a loose connection, or a problem with the brake light fuse or relay. To diagnose this, you'll need to use a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of the brake light circuit. If you find any issues with the wiring, you'll need to repair or replace the affected components.


Troubleshooting Steps



  • Check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

  • Test the brake light switch by pressing the brake pedal and listening for a click.

  • Use a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of the brake light circuit.

  • If the issue persists, consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.


By following these steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue causing the brake light to stay on in your Subaru. Remember to always prioritize safety when working on your vehicle's braking system.

Why is my brake light on when it's not on?


Why is the brake light on while driving? When your brake light comes on, your car is letting you know that either your vehicle is low on brake fluid, the emergency brake is activated, there's trouble within the ABS unit, or there's a problem with the sensors.



What does it mean if your brake light stays on?


If your brake service warning light is always on, it could be due to a need for parking brake adjustment, worn brake pads, or hydraulic issues. If your brake service warning light turns on when you hit the pedal, it could be due to hydraulic loss on one side of your vehicle or low brake fluid in the master cylinder.



Why my brake light won't turn off?


The most common cause your brake lights stay on is because of a faulty brake light switch or sensor. It can also be caused by a faulty brake pedal or a malfunction in the electrical system. If you recently replaced the rear light bulbs when it occurred, you may have installed the wrong light bulbs.



Is it OK to drive with brake light on?


If the dashboard light remains on, it's telling you that thre is a brake system problem that could prevent you from stopping your vehicle. Turn off the engine and arrange to have the vehicle transported to your trusted mechanic.



How do you fix a brake light that stays on?


Fixing this problem is as simple as replacing the switch, which is typically located on the backside of the brake pedal.



How to reset brake light?


Restart the Vehicle and/or Dashboard
Sometimes the problem isn't with the brakes. Instead, the brake warning light on the dashboard may indicate that the instrument panel itself needs a reset. For this, the car should be switched off and restarted. This will allow the dashboard a moment to go back to normal.



Why does the brake light on the dashboard stay on?


When your brake light comes on, your car is letting you know that either your vehicle is low on brake fluid, the emergency brake is activated, there's trouble within the ABS unit, or there's a problem with the sensors.



Why is my brake light not turning off in my Subaru?


Again,either the brake light switch is defective or it's not installed properly and needs adjusting.To do the adjustment,get under the dash and locate the BLS. Turn it 1/4 turn to unlock it,push it in the distance of 1 thread on a bolt and turn back the other way to lock it in place. That should fix it.



Why is my Subaru brake light on?


The brake light is triggered by a float in the brake fluid reservoir. When the fluid is low the float will drop low enough to turn on the brake light. This is meant to indicate when your brakes are worn. So I would check your fluid level, and make sure that float is not stuck down.



What 2 reasons would cause your brake system warning light to come on?


The simplest (and oldest) light on your dashboard – the one most people refer to when they mention a brake system warning light – is the BRAKE light. When this light comes on, it means one of two things. Either the hydraulic fluid (brake fluid) in the master cylinder is low, or the parking brake is engaged.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.