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Honda Accord: Why is My Brake Light On?

Learn what causes your Honda Accord's brake lights to stay on. This guide will show you how you can detect the source of that pesky problem and have it addressed.

By James Karuga - February 19, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

It's irritating when your Accord's brake lights go on and remain lit when you have not stepped on the brake pedal. This is a common problem with the Accord, and most owners trace the origin of these problems to brake fluid reservoirs or faulty connectors and switches. There are also instances of the brake lights turning on while driving and turning off when stepping on the brake pedal. It's vital for this mechanical problem to be addressed promptly, since it poses risks to you and other drivers on the road. This article helps you discover where the source of your brake light problem is coming from and what you can do to fix it.

Step 1 – Check brake fluid

A screeching sound from the brakes is a clear indicator of low brake pad fluid. Low levels of brake fluid will generally indicate a leak or the need of a brake pad replacement. Either way, low brake fluid will trigger the ABS/BRAKE warning light and you will need to add more fluid, so the caliper stays firm. The solution is to add more brake fluid to the right levels and change the pads if they are worn out.

If the pads are fine, there is likely a leak. The ABS accumulator, brake lines and brake master cylinder should all be examined for leaks and evidence of damage.

Step 2 – Faulty brake light switch

A faulty brake light switch will cause the brake light to stay on even after the brake pedal is released. A faulty switch doesn't always mean outright brake light failure. There's a rubber cap on the switch that gets pressed when the pedal is depressed. When this rubber cap wears out, the brake lights start misbehaving. It can also result in intermittent operation of the brake lights. The easy solution to this is to replace the rubber cap.

If the light stays on when the button isn't being depressed, you will need to replace the switch. Poor condition of wires connected to the brake light switch can also cause the brake lights to stay on.

Figure 1. If the rubber cap wears out, the brake light will malfunction.

Step 3 – Faulty retracting springs

The whole braking switch in the Honda Accord is controlled by levers and retracting springs. When this spring assembly is worn out the brake light will stay on even after the pedal is released. This is because the pedal's return spring brake light switch maintains the "on" mode contact, resulting in the brake light remaining on. Lubricating the springs with lithium grease or a similar, dry lubricant will help them stay in good condition. Broken ones will need to be replaced.

Figure 2. Pedal assembly diagram.

Step 4 – Imbalance when bleeding the brakes

When bleeding the Honda Accord brakes in order to get rid of the air, an imbalance may happen if the process is done badly. When there is air trapped in the braking lines the gas pedal feels soft and not firm when pressed. The brake light will continue to stay on until the braking system is properly bled off. If properly done, the braking lights will function as they should.

Featured Video: How to Fix Brake Light That Stays On

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