Neon L4-2.0L VIN C (1997)
Brake Warning Indicator: Description and Operation
General Information
Master Cylinder Fluid Level Sensor
GENERAL INFORMATION
The red Brake warning lamp is located in the instrument panel cluster and is used to indicate a low brake fluid condition or that the parking brake
is applied. In addition, the brake warning lamp is turned on as a bulb check by the ignition switch when the ignition switch is placed in the crank
position. Problems with this system will generally be of the type where the warning lamp fails to turn on when it should, or remains on when it
should not. The warning lamp bulb is supplied a 12 volt ignition feed anytime the ignition switch is on. The bulb is then illuminated by completing
the ground circuit either through the park brake switch, the fluid level sensor in the master cylinder reservoir, or the ignition switch in the crank
position.
PURPOSE
The Brake Fluid Level sensor is located in the brake fluid reservoir of the master cylinder assembly. The purpose of the sensor is to provide the
driver with an early warning that the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir has dropped to below normal. This may indicate an abnormal
loss of brake fluid in the master cylinder fluid reservoir resulting from a leak in the hydraulic system. As the fluid drops below the minimum level,
the fluid level sensor closes the brake warning light circuit. This will turn on the red brake warning light. At this time, master cylinder fluid
reservoir should be checked and filled to the full mark with DOT 3 brake fluid.
NOTE: If brake fluid level has dropped in master cylinder fluid reservoir, the entire brake hydraulic system should he checked for evidence of a leak.
