I don't know what it is, but I've had a 98 eclipse and two 95 talons that seem like everytime it gets cold the brake light on the dash stays on for at least 10 mins after I've dropped the hand brake. It only does it when it's around 45-50 degrees or lower, and never does it when its warm out. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Your handbrake light switch is slowly dying. Mine did it for years only on cold days then it stayed on constantly if it wasn't above 50* outside. I disconnected it because I really didn't care. I've got a newer one to replace it with in my donor car, but getting the car running has been more important.

What you are seeing is contraction of the brake fluid because of low temps. Just like how metal expands/contracts as temperature fluctuates, fluid does the same thing.

Our brake fluid sensors are extremely sensitive to this slight decrease in fluid level.

Solution: Add brake fluid. The light will no longer come on in cold temps. (speaking from experience)

Thanks guys, I'll see if I can get it to stop with some fluid, and if that doesn't work than I'll try the handbrake switch. Honestly I was probably going in that direction anyway, but I was just curious as to I've had three cars in the course of two years that did the same thing when it got cold.

Originally posted by eclipserstturbo
Thanks guys, I'll see if I can get it to stop with some fluid, and if that doesn't work than I'll try the handbrake switch. Honestly I was probably going in that direction anyway, but I was just curious as to I've had three cars in the course of two years that did the same thing when it got cold.

Brake fluid.

Mine did it for the first time last week, every morning it would stay on, afternoon go off.

Even though the fluid was to the max line, I added like an 1/8 inch more. Been off since :shrug

Same for me. It turned out to be slightly low brake fluid.

Corbin
'95 ESI-T

Now with more power and fewer leaks



Humble servant of the Wiki

Same here low brake fluid. 99% sure its your problem.