Brake light on my 97 honda civic began flashing about a month ago and I heard a low hum while driving in the lower gears. Now I can't get the car to start. It has plenty of brake fluid. Is this a problem with the master cylinder?
2007-10-22 06:47:28 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Honda
might be an alternator problem as that will also turn on th brake light
2007-10-22 07:17:22 · answer #1 · answered by mobile auto repair (mr fix it) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a float in the master cylinder cap that goes up and drops down with the brake fluid level, sort of like the float in the tank of your toilet at home. That float typically sticks when the brake fluid hasn't been changed for a while and it puts the light on when the fluid level is fine. The usualy remedy is to change the float or cap and it usually costs under $20 to do so.
the no start condition is unrelated. You don't mention if the engine won't turn over or if the engine cranks but won't fire. Car batteries typically last about 5 years and based on the age of the vehicle you're probably due for your second replacement; that's if the engine won't turn over at all. If you can jump start the car then the battery is dead and you'll need to replace it. If the engine turns over but won't fire, you'll have to let us know that.
as for the hum at low speeds, typically its caused by low tire pressures or worn tires. A worn wheel bearing will usually get much louder as the car increases in speed; if it is a from low tire pressure the noise wouldn't get much louder as teh speed increases. It may also be a transmission that's low on oil or transmission oil that needs to be changed if the transmission is a manual trans. If its an automatic you can rule that out.
check the float in the master cylinder; you can operate it manually to see try to free it up. My guess is you'll have to replace the float to make the brake light stop blinking on and off.
hope that helps.
2007-10-22 09:10:52 · answer #2 · answered by honda guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be a bad brake switch, have someone step on the brakes and see if the brake lights come on. if it don't then that is your problem
2007-10-22 07:15:17 · answer #3 · answered by Bob B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check that alternator. That would make your brake light on your dash light up.
2007-10-24 19:05:06 · answer #4 · answered by Leftdawg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not the master cylinder.
Check the battery, alternator, and starter.
If you don't know how to do this yourself, PLEASE take it to a reputable shop.
2007-10-22 06:53:28 · answer #5 · answered by jaboyak 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋