Brake light?

upstate NY · Post by **upstate NY** » 06 Feb 2011, 22:28

This has been a frustrating weekend. I now have a brake light on, brakes work fine. So could someone please give me some ideas on what typically sets off the freakin brake light! Thanks

upstate NY · Post by **upstate NY** » 06 Feb 2011, 22:47

If I have been driving with the Tracs on all the time with the weather being the way its been, would it possibly set off my brake warning light? I read and now know its just initially for starting out on slippery surfaces.

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Feb 2011, 07:00

Check your brake fluid level.

Most everyone leaves TRACS on all the time, unless it is annoying them in snowy/wet conditions. It really isn't very effective.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 07 Feb 2011, 09:14

jablackburn wrote: Most everyone leaves TRACS on all the time, unless it is annoying them in snowy/wet conditions. It really isn't very effective.

Really? I've actually found the Tracs system on the 850 to be quite effective. Hundreds of miles spent driving on the worst winter roads we have in the local Winter Rally Series has given me some pretty good experience with it. On steep hills or trying to get started on glare ice, with Tracs off, one wheel generally spins - often to so little effect that I can hardly tell I'm on the gas. Put the Tracs back on and the car moves surprisingly well. It's no AWD, but for such a basic system, I've been surprised how competitive it has kept me against all the Subaru's!

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Feb 2011, 10:37

I have found it useful like twice in the same situations - steep hills.

But in slush/packed snow, it just annoys me and doesn't make the car move any better. Whiiiirrrrrr.

upstate NY · Post by **upstate NY** » 07 Feb 2011, 12:00

Ok so why would I have a brake light on?

Post by **jblackburn** » 07 Feb 2011, 12:07

jablackburn wrote:Check your brake fluid level.

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 07 Feb 2011, 12:26

upstate NY wrote:Ok so why would I have a brake light on?

From the OM:

Brake fluid warning light
If the light comes on while driving or braking, this indicates that the brake fluid level is too low.
Stop immediately, open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir !
(see section "Engine compartment" for reservoir position)

WARNING! If the level is below the MIN mark in either section of the reservoir: DO NOT DRIVE.
Tow the car to a Volvo retailer and have the brake system checked and any leakage repaired.
OR -
There's a little float switch in the brake fluid cap. May be stuck.