Low Brake Fluid Warning

[rednecks70]

When I jump on the throttle and get the car sideways a low brake fluid warning shows up on the DIC. Checked the reservoir and it's full. Anyone else have this issue?

[LevonH]

This might help a bit?

https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532117

[Bigdumogre]

The sensors on the reservoir can go bad. Think it’s sold as a unit sadly

[rednecks70]

Thanks Levon, I read that post before making this one. For me the warning comes on for a few seconds and goes out until I get aggressive again. Doesn't come on consistently either.

[ZMEnow]

Originally Posted by rednecks70

Thanks Levon, I read that post before making this one. For me the warning comes on for a few seconds and goes out until I get aggressive again. Doesn't come on consistently either.

Dot 3 or 4.

[LevonH]

Is the fluid clean in the reservoir? Could be dirty at the internal float???

[rednecks70]

Assuming dot3, I haven't changed it.

The fluid looks a little dark but this car only has 33,000 miles on it.

[LevonH]

Change every 2 years or 25000 miles is recommended.

[Bigdumogre]

Originally Posted by LevonH

Change every 2 years or 25000 miles is recommended.

It’s very rare that people change their brake fluid. People go 20 years plus without changing it. I don’t recommend it but it will still function normally but can ruin seals from moisture.

[ZMEnow]

Originally Posted by rednecks70

Assuming dot3, I haven't changed it.

The fluid looks a little dark but this car only has 33,000 miles on it.

I asked because if it’s Dot 4 or higher it has a max 2 years because it will attract moisture which is the reason manufacturers don’t put it in because they won’t risk that you will change it. If you don’t it will start rust in the ABS, brake pistons, master cylinder and your slave cylinder on your clutch.

Dot 3 can last a very long time and doesn’t hold moisture so it doesn’t cause rust, but because you share your clutch fluid with the same brake master, if you spin slip that clutch just a bit that fluid will get brown in the mc. In fact you can actually see a sludge in the mc because the fluid has been burnt.

I used to track both strip and track use on the z and would boil the brakes so bad the clutch pedal would stay on the floor. Also burnt clutches so bad the brake pedal was very soft. I run dot 4 so I change it every 2 years as it’s pretty simple since I put a one man monster speed bleeder on the clutch.(not so simple without) Because the clutches can get so hot when doing hole shots I would look at bleeding that whole system out even if that doesn’t fix your problem. If you had a A6 I would be concerned about the fluid. You might want to jump on the obd11 port and scan for codes..

[bsn]

DOT3 IS hydroscopic meaning it WILL absorb moisture, I personally use DOT 4 LMA (low moisture activity) brake fluid in all my cars but change it every couple of years. Not changing fluid be it DOT3 or DOT4 allows moisture to form and eventually will cause metal corrosion and seal failure. Just because some people never do it doesn't mean its a good idea to ignore basic maintenance, if you track your car its a must.

[rednecks70]

Okay, looks like I will be changing the brake fluid.

[LevonH]

Progress??

[rednecks70]

Originally Posted by LevonH

Progress??

Yup, I've installed 4 basement windows and a new storm door

Unfortunately the car will have to wait, getting the house ready to be put on the market so I can get something with a 2 to 4 car garage and some land . Currently have just a 1 car garage that the Chevelle barely fits in.