a red warning lite with an exclamation mark is coming on in my G reg Nissan micra, what is wrong.?

Question

I don't have a hand book for the car. I don't think it is the oil, as that sign has a oil can on it, help !!!

Answer 1

Check the brake fluid. That is what it is.

Answer 2

Nissan Micra Red

Answer 3

A red light always means STOP or DO NOT DRIVE.
There are two possible reasons - the car is unsafe to drive, or further driving will cause damage to the car.

In this case, the car is unsafe to drive, as the light with the exclamation mark is the telltale for the braking system.
This is probably the same light that tells you when the handbrake is applied, but normally goes out when you release the handbrake.
The possible faults are:
- Low brake fluid level
- Worn brake pads (although it is unlikely that a G-reg Micra has sensors for this)
- Faulty handbrake-lever switch

Check your brake fluid level immediately, as this is the most likely problem.
If you don't know how, get someone else to do it (but do not drive the car to a garage, as it is not safe to do so).

Answer 4

The exclamation mark is the brakes:

There are several reasons why this light may come on, they are:

Low fluid level, this could be low for a number of reasons:

Your brake linings are worn and therefore the pistons have moved in the callipers and therefore requiring fluid to fill the space from the master cylinder.

You have a leak; normally the brake pedal goes soft and you wont stop very well.

or

The brake linings have worn out to the level of a brake wear inidicator embedded in your pad which turns on the light.

You have sticking hand brake switch as this comes on when you apply the hand brake.

So check if your linings need replacing before filling up with brake fluid.

Replace your linings and while you are at it get your discs and drums checked for wear and your brake callipers checked and also you wheel cylinders.

Buy a haynes manual.
Good luck.

Answer 5

This is a brake warning light. Pop the bonnet and check the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid maybe low.
This however is normallyt the result of either the front brake pads getting low or the brake cylinders on the rear brake assembly starting to leak.
Topping up the reservoir will probably put out the light, but you need to have a garage check out the brake system to see why the light is coming on. Please do not ignore the light. It is there for a reason and your brake system may be in need of attention.

Answer 6

I agree, it's warning of a brake problem. Could be low fluid, could be worn-down pads, could even be just a loose switch on the handbrake. Just get a mechanic to check, you can't afford to take chances with brakes.

For future reference, basically, a red light means an immediate, serious problem, an amber light is a smidgin less serious. Neither should be on while you're driving.

Answer 7

Is it not the handbrake light? If the oil is always ok, fluids are topped up and handbrake works fine, just put a tape over it if it's bugging you - I had an F reg one a few years back and had the same problem - I had a year's full driving with that light on before it "went to meet its maker".

Answer 8

Either your handbrake isn't fully released or the brake fluid level is very low.

Answer 9

Whats to yell at you for neglecting it. Kidding but is
Usually is the hand brake or that your brakes are low on most vehicles.

Answer 10

Ask your local Nissan dealer before you drive.