As a Subaru Forester car owner, you may have noticed that the brake light on your dashboard has turned on. This can be a cause for concern and may leave you wondering what could be wrong with your vehicle.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the brake light on your Subaru Forester and what steps you can take to address any potential issues.
So, let’s dive in and gain a better understanding of this important aspect of your car.
Common Causes of Brake Light Turning on
There are several reasons why the brake light on your Subaru Forester may turn on. Some common causes include low brake fluid levels, worn-out brake pads, or even a faulty ABS sensor.
Low brake fluid levels
If you suspect that low brake fluid levels may be causing the light to turn on, check for any visible leaks in the braking system. This could include checking the areas around the wheels, brake lines, and master cylinder.
Visible leaks that cause low brake fluid levels can manifest in a few different ways.
You may notice a puddle of clear or slightly coloured liquid under your car, which could indicate a leak from the brake lines or master cylinder.
Another sign of a leak is if you notice bubbles in the brake fluid reservoir when checking the level. This could mean that air is getting into the brake lines due to a leak, causing the fluid level to drop.
There are a few possible reasons for visible leaks in the braking system that can lead to low brake fluid levels. One common cause is wear and tear on the brake lines, which can develop cracks or holes over time from exposure to heat and moisture.
Another potential reason is damage to the master cylinder, which can occur from corrosion or wear on internal components. This can also lead to leaks and low brake fluid levels.
Additionally, a faulty brake calliper or wheel cylinder can also cause leaks and result in the brake light turning on.
Worn-out or damaged brake pads
Worn-out or damaged brake pads can also trigger the brake light to turn on. Inspect your brake pads for any signs of wear and tear, such as thinning or uneven wear. If necessary, replace them with new ones.
Symptom/sign: one common symptom of worn-out or damaged brake pads is a grinding or squeaking noise when applying the brakes.
This can indicate that the brake pads have become too thin and are no longer able to effectively grip the rotors, causing them to wear down even more quickly.
Another sign is reduced braking performance, where you may need to press harder on the brake pedal to come to a complete stop.
Reasons: there are several potential reasons for worn-out or damaged brake pads that can lead to low brake fluid levels.
One of the most common causes is regular use and wear over time, especially if the vehicle is driven in stop-and-go traffic or on hilly terrain.
Additionally, harsh braking habits such as excessive speeding and sudden stops can also contribute to faster wear and tear on brake pads.
Another factor could be using lower quality or mismatched brake pads that are not suitable for your specific vehicle, causing them to wear down more quickly.
Faulty ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) sensor
A faulty ABS sensor can also cause the brake light to turn on. This sensor monitors the speed of each wheel and communicates with the car’s computer to help prevent skidding.
If it is not functioning properly, it can trigger the brake light to turn on.
This can also lead to low brake fluid levels as the ABS may continuously engage and disengage, putting more strain on the brake pads.
It is important to have a faulty ABS sensor diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic.
Symptom/sign: one common symptom of a faulty ABS sensor in a Subaru Forester is the brake light turning on and staying illuminated. This may happen sporadically or continuously, depending on the severity of the issue with the sensor.
In some cases, the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system may also become disabled, resulting in decreased traction and stability while driving.
Additionally, you may also notice erratic or unusual braking behaviour, such as the brake pedal vibrating or pulsating when applied.
Reasons: there are several potential reasons for worn-out or damaged brake pads that can cause the brake light to turn on in a Subaru Forester.
Firstly, it could be due to normal wear and tear from regular use of the brakes over time.
As the friction material on the brake pads wears down, it eventually reaches a point where they need to be replaced.
Another potential reason for worn-out or damaged brake pads is harsh driving habits, such as frequent heavy braking or riding the brakes.
This can accelerate the wear and tear on the brake pads, causing them to need replacement sooner than expected.
Lastly, contaminated brake fluid can also cause damage to the brake pads. Dirty or old brake fluid can lead to corrosion, which can cause the brake pads to wear down more quickly.
Issues with the brake master cylinder
The brake master cylinder is responsible for distributing hydraulic pressure to all four wheels. If it malfunctions, it can cause the brake light to turn on.
Inspect the master cylinder for any leaks or malfunctions and have it replaced if necessary.
Symptom/sign: one common symptom of issues with the brake master cylinder that can cause the brake light to turn on in a Subaru Forester is a spongy or soft brake pedal.
This could indicate that there is air or moisture in the brake lines, which can occur if there is a leak in the master cylinder. Another sign to look out for is difficulty in braking, as this can also be caused by a malfunctioning master cylinder.
If you experience these symptoms, it is important to have your brake master cylinder checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potential safety hazards on the road.
Reasons: There are several reasons why the brake master cylinder may malfunction in a Subaru Forester, causing the brake light to turn on.
One possibility is a worn or damaged seal within the master cylinder, which can lead to leaks and a decrease in hydraulic pressure.
Another reason could be a faulty piston or valve within the master cylinder, which can disrupt the distribution of fluid to the brakes.
Additionally, if the master cylinder becomes contaminated with debris or moisture, it can also affect its performance and trigger the brake light to turn on.
Damage to brake lines
The brake lines are responsible for carrying the brake fluid to each wheel. If they are damaged or have leaks, it can cause a decrease in hydraulic pressure and trigger the brake light to turn on.
Inspect the brake lines and have them repaired or replaced if necessary.
Symptom/sign: one of the most noticeable signs of damage to brake lines that can trigger the brake light on a Subaru Forester is decreased braking performance. This can manifest as longer stopping distances or a spongy feeling when pressing down on the brake pedal.
Another symptom to watch out for is fluid leaking from the brake lines, which may be visible underneath the vehicle or near the wheels.
Reasons: Damage to brake lines in a Subaru Forester can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear from regular use, exposure to harsh weather conditions, or debris on the road.
Additionally, improper installation or maintenance of the brake lines can also lead to damage over time.
Malfunctioning parking brake switch
If your vehicle has a manual parking brake, a malfunctioning parking brake switch can cause the brake light to turn on. Inspect the switch and have it replaced if needed.
Symptom/sign: the most noticeable sign of a malfunctioning parking brake switch is the brake light turning on even when the parking brake is disengaged.
This can also be accompanied by a warning light or message on the dashboard indicating an issue with the parking brake.
Additionally, you may experience difficulty in releasing the parking brake or notice that it does not engage properly.
Reasons: a malfunctioning parking brake switch in a Subaru Forester can be caused by a faulty electrical connection, damage to the switch itself, or wear and tear from regular use. Exposure to moisture or debris can also lead to corrosion and malfunction of the switch.
Furthermore, not properly using the parking brake can also contribute to its failure over time.
Damaged wheel speed sensors
Modern vehicles are equipped with wheel speed sensors that monitor the speed of each wheel and communicate with the car’s computer.
If these sensors are damaged or malfunctioning, they can trigger the brake light to turn on. Inspect and replace any damaged wheel speed sensors.
Symptom/sign: one of the main signs of damaged wheel speed sensors is an illuminated brake light on the dashboard. This can also be accompanied by a warning message or light indicating an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
You may also notice abnormal braking behavior such as reduced responsiveness or pulsating brakes, which can be caused by inaccurate readings from the damaged sensors.
Reasons: one common cause is physical damage from road debris or harsh driving conditions. The sensors can also wear out over time due to constant use, leading to inaccurate readings and triggering the brake light.
Additionally, exposure to extreme temperatures or corrosive substances can also damage the sensors.
Loose or disconnected wiring in the braking system
Loose or disconnected wiring can cause communication issues between various components of the braking system, leading to a brake light warning. Have all wiring checked and repaired if necessary.
Symptom/sign: aside from an illuminated brake light, loose or disconnected wiring in the braking system can also cause other warning lights to turn on. These may include the ABS light, traction control light, or even the check engine light.
You may also experience issues with your brakes such as inconsistent pedal feel or difficulty stopping, which can be dangerous while driving.
Reasons: Loose or disconnected wiring in the braking system can occur due to wear and tear, as well as poor installation or maintenance.
Another common reason for this issue is damage from rodents or other animals that may have chewed on the wires under your car.
In rare cases, faulty wiring or a malfunctioning brake control module can also cause loose or disconnected wiring in the braking system.
Air in the brake lines
Air in the brake lines can also trigger the brake light on a Subaru Forester.
Symptom/sign: when there is air in the brake lines, you may experience a soft or spongy feeling in the brake pedal, as well as a longer stopping distance.
You may also hear a hissing sound when pressing on the brakes, indicating air escaping from the lines.
Reasons: Air can enter the brake lines due to a leak in the system, which can be caused by damaged brake hoses or fittings.
It can also occur during brake fluid changes if proper bleeding procedures are not followed, allowing air to get trapped in the lines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the brake light on a Subaru Forester can be triggered by various issues in the braking system.
It is important to address these issues promptly and seek professional help if needed, as malfunctioning brakes can compromise the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Regular maintenance and inspections can also help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place.
If you notice the brake light on your Subaru Forester is illuminated, it is best to have it checked and repaired as soon as possible for a smoother and safer driving experience. So, proper maintenance of all these causes are necessary for smooth functioning of the brake control module.
Lastly, always remember that a well-maintained braking system not only ensures your safety but also the safety of others on the road. Happy driving!