exclamation warning dash light

Euphoria1z

Hi


I have a red exclamation mark inside a circle within circular brackets dashboard warning light come on yesterday on my Volvo s40 2003. The handbook says its


"(!) Brake circuit not working (fluid level too low) and EBD"


it stays on permanently, but goes off if I brake sharply and comes back on again straight away.


I've visually checked my brake pads and there not on the thin side. I checked my brake fluid, and it has 3 markers, min brake, min clutch and max.


the fluid level is on min clutch. so I assume for the brakes that's ok as its way above min brake ?


I opened the cap and made sure the little float moves around ok.


My brakes are working as normal.


Any ideas as to what the issue maybe? should I top the fluid to max with some DOT 4?


Thanks

Hintza

Check the handbrake.

Euphoria1z

handbrake is fine, doesn't need tightening.

Jonesya

I'd try topping the fluid up first - the fluid level in the tank moves slightly when you brake so it could be that the float switch is near its limit.

Iceweasel

The EBD part means Electronic Brake-Force Distribution.

It varies the braking effort on the rear axle depending on the load in the car.

I suggest you post this question on a Volvo owners forum.

AdrianC

Euphoria1z wrote: »

it stays on permanently, but goes off if I brake sharply and comes back on again straight away.

That certainly sounds like low fluid.

I checked my brake fluid, and it has 3 markers, min brake, min clutch and max.

the fluid level is on min clutch. so I assume for the brakes that's ok as its way above min brake ?

The min levels are (with a bit of latitude) the MINIMUM levels. Both brake and clutch draw the fluid from the same reservoir, with the clutch taking fluid from higher up - so, if the level drops, that fails first. If the level drops below "min clutch", you risk air going into the clutch pipework, which'll leave you immobile. If the level drops below "min brake", you risk air going into the brake pipework, which'll leave you pumping the brakes to try to stop...

You'd expect to be warned of the fluid dropping before reaching those actual problem points, wouldn't you? Well, that's what it's doing now. Top it up, and if it drops again, get the loss investigated.

ohreally

Euphoria1z wrote: »

the fluid level is on min clutch.

Top up the fluid. Its reporting low level for the clutch hydraulics!

Euphoria1z

I will top it up. thanks for the advice everyone.

facade

Get the brake pads checked. The fluid goes down as they wear. When it gets to minimum they are worn out.

There may even be a fluid leak at a brake or the clutch cylinder.