BRAKE and TCS indicators are on constantly!
 

Hello everyone!

I own 2003 Accord EX V6 coupe.
So, this weekend I was changing brake fluid using turkey baster to suck old fluid out. It was so dirty that it even had those squishy pieces of dirt in it. So I was trying so hard to get it all out, that apparently I critically injured my fluid sensor or most likely killed it :D because when I start the car, red "BRAKE" indicator stays on and then after 20-30 seconds TCS and exclamation point in a triangle indicators coming up. Note when I unplug cable that goes to the reservoir those indicators do not turn on, so is it what I think it is or is it my fluid is so clean now that sensor can't take it? :D Please help:confused: probably I would have to buy a new sensor, so I need a part number and if anybody knows how to install it.

Thanks!:rolleyes:

Wait, if you unplug it, isn't it supposed to warn you that it's unplugged? Or does it not? I always thought if the cap sensor wires were removed it warns you.

Have you tried playing with the fluid sensor? Is it stuck? Did you maybe push on it too hard when cleaning it out?

Well, I don't really know where the sensor at so I can't really play with it since I got no clue where to look for it haha, Oh and btw fluid level is on max

The wire you unplugged from the brake fluid reservoir is the sensor. I guess there would be some kind of float inside the reservoir, and you might be able to check it's action.

Brake fluid level sensor is normally open, so when you unplug the sensor/cap assembly, the control system thinks fluid level is fine and light stays off. Level sensor is mechanical switch inside a glass tube that is pulled closed w/ a magnet in the float.

Suggest moving float up/down to make sure it's traveling upward and not getting stuck down (light on). If it still stays on when inserted into a full reservoir, you'll need to replace the cap/float assembly.

good luck

Unfortunately I can't reach lower than the middle of the tank with my turkey baster without taking this tank apparar... If u have same accord coupe or sedan you will see weird shape of the brake fluid tank which doesn't allow you to reach to deeper than the certain point.:(

Also I can tell for sure that on the bottom there is a lot of dark stuff so I can't see anything down there. Is there any way I can reach there and check out if as you say this sensor points upward without taking everything apart :) ? Can you please post an assembly picture.;)

The assembly drawing that I have doesn't show the reservoir apart. The reservoir is together with the master cylinder.

The level sensor is built into the cap (see those wires!).

good luck

Thank you guys for your advises! I think I will take off the whole tank and try to fix this sensor;)

There is a service news article on this......the float in the res gets stuck. Sometimes a light tap with a screw driver will free it...if that does not work then the res will have to come off.

See this thread........https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...-always-51152/

Beginning 2003 the level sensor isn't in the cap any more. It's the electrical plug on the side of the reservoir, a bit towards the back. That's because the reservoir is no longer in the shape of a vertical cylinder. Plug is on the far side in this picture.

Is there any inner part of it then? Since it's just an electrical plug, how should I fix it? Do I just get a new sensor?
:confused:

I'm so confused, first people said that the sensor in the cap, so I were trying to figure out how the hell can it be a sensor :eek: even though I was quite sure that sensor is the plug that I took out as I said in the very beginning....

Yeah, that plug is for the sensor. I don't have that car any more, but I never had problem with the sensor & I never had to look at it. I don't know if it's a float or some other kind of device.

Did you click on the link I posted, then go to the 4th post and open the pdf.

I really wish we could post pdf's......or am I that slow?

Gotta admit I didn't look at that. Thanks, Poorman.

We can post pdf files but the size limit is pretty small. "Go advanced" then click on "Manage Attachments".

The pdf is too big to post,/attach, I tried.....so I said screw it, a "print screen" version might help...just trying to help :)

RIght now I'm going to go and tap the tank if that's not gonna help then gotta do drain. Any ideas about best way to do it?

I will try to unmount the tank because nothing else I tried was able to fix the problem!! :(((( HOPE I WON'T GET fluid all over the car :)

Just be careful and use a few rags/towels.......also go from the back to the front with it...not over the side of the fender and you will be fine.

Wouldn't just bypassing the float switch be the best way to go?

Pulling the tank off is only going to spill fluid and possibly / likely introduce air into the master (which is a pain to bleed out)

You do not need the sensor, I am sure you can check your fluid yourself on occasion and be just fine.

Simple / easy / free - that is the way I would do it.

Then a hose/line breaks and fluid is being lost at a rapid rate as you drive....you don't know it....you go for the brakes....nothing....grab/stomp the e-brake...not enough or too late....you slam into "something"....someone gets hurt....who is going to cover this?

I'm currently over one year of dealing with insurance companies/lawyers/ect on trying to resolve an accident issue.....he was the pass in the car that was not his/mine...yet I never get to see/talk/hug/touch...ect my oldest son ever again. DO NOT disable/bypass a safety item related to brakes on a car....just my two cents. Yes, it is personal and I hope no one ever has to understand why/what I'm saying....sorry for the rant.

Thanks for your sharing your experience poorman. I greatly appreciate it!

I have to say it is not easy for me.

Back on topic......there are some things that are ok to do without.....abs - as long as it is not related to normal braking operation. Others I'm not a fan of, sorry no disrespect to anyone....personal opinion. Yes i can tell you how to bypass the level sensor, air bag sensors and a few others. I would only do so for testing reasons and never as a fix.