No smart driver should underestimate or ignore the service electric brake system light.
Though not as serious as some other dashboard lights (CEL, for instance), it does signify something is seriously wrong with your car.
Failure to address that issue properly only worsens the situation!
Keep scrolling to learn Bryan’s advice and extra tips on the matter.
How Does A Brake System Work?
Passenger vehicles and cars o are often assisted by either of these two braking systems: drum brakes and disc brakes. Let’s break down each of their mechanisms.
Drum Brakes
The system comprises one master cylinder to send pressurized fluid to the cylinders (installed within the drum).
As a result, the cylinder pistons expand under pressure, pushing the shoes against the drum’s surface to generate friction.
And under this frictional influence, the car wheels start spinning slowly.
Disc Brakes
Like drum brakes, disc brakes also revolve around one master cylinder.
But there is a major difference this time: their cylinders send pressurized fluid to the caliper instead of the drum, causing the pistons to pull flush against the rotor disc.
Here is where the friction for wheel spinning is created.
Such a simple yet functional design makes disc brakes a superior option to drum in terms of:
- Handling in wet conditions: A disc brake is open to outside air, allowing water to come off without hassles.
Hence, unlike drum brakes with their water-trapping tendency, disc brakes tend to perform much more smoothly in wet climates.
- Withstanding heat: You can also trust disc brakes to handle heat quite well. On the other hand, drum brakes often get overheated under repeated use.
The follow-up brake fades require your car to scroll longer distances before coming to full stops.
- Cleaning: Brake dust accumulating on a drum brake’s shoes demands periodic cleaning – the complete opposite of disc brakes’ self-cleaning design.
The latter arrives with brake pads that wipe the rotors during their engagement, easily cleansing themselves.
Why Is The “Service Electric Brake System” Light On?
Issues with the parking brake, brake switch, levels of brake fluid, and ABS sensors are technical issues every driver needs to look out for.
Sometimes, it’s the brake system warning light itself that doesn’t work properly.
But I don’t think you should reset it on your own unless instructed by experts.
The Parking Brakes Are On
That happened to me once; I put my service electric brake system Jeep in drive, hitting the gas, only to find out the parking brakes were still left!
Though such accidents do not cause too many risks, I suggest you not turn them into a habit; otherwise, the brake’s premature wear is only a matter of time.
And what if you release these surge brakes already, yet the brake system message light persists? Time to keep scrolling – since other issues are obviously at play.
Malfunctioning Brake Switch
From my experience, most car models usually utilize either of these two brake systems:
- Mechanical: where you release the brake with a center console lever or the pedals
- Electronic: where the parking brakes are disabled/enabled via its ignition switch (like that on my car; electronic models are more common for recent vehicles)
Regardless of what system you go for, the fact that the light doesn’t turn off after you disable the brake system clearly indicates something is wrong with its control mechanism.
What to do, then? I suggest bringing your car to a mechanic. Trust professionals to deduce whether the problem lies in the lever/switch – or whether another totally different issue is the main culprit.
The Brake Fluid Level Is Low
Brake fluid protects and lubricates the system’s electronic braking components, turning brake pedal pressure into mechanical motions to stop the vehicle as required.
And unbeknownst to most novice drivers, low brake fluid level is also a popular trigger for the brake light (forgetting to check the fluid volume used to be one of my biggest beginner mistakes!).
Back then, the fluid on my car often leaked due to broken pipes and manifolds – and I bet that might also happen to many vehicles out there.
Have your brake fluid checked properly, either on your own or with professional help!
Braking Fluid Exchange Is Needed
Although my braking fluid is enclosed in a sealed system, I was horrified to learn that mine was seriously contaminated by moisture and debris.
Its protective qualities diminish due to natural aging, too.
Pull your car aside to inspect whether that also happens to you. It would be best to do so as soon as possible.
Failure to treat contaminated fluid on time may corrode your brake components (they are usually made of aluminum and steel, after all), leading to extremely costly repairs!
Although most modern vehicles incorporate a brake system warning to inform drivers of fluid exchange requirements, do not wait until those lights come on.
Having the fluid flushed before that will do you good; trust me!
Also, do not forget to check the car’s manual, which often specifies the recommended fluid change interval.
By complying strictly with that schedule, I have successfully extended my car’s lifespan several years longer than expected!
Worn Brake Pads
The brake light on my old 2005 Grand Cherokee service electric brake system also illuminates whenever the braking pads need replacement.
However, note that such a feature is only available for some cả models; it’s understandable if yours do not factor in the braking pads in its warning system.
How to detect the symptoms of pad wear on your own, then?
Years of experience with the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo service electric brake system have drawn me to these common signals:
- Screeching or grinding sounds
- The brake pedal squeaks, vibrates, or pulses
- The pedal must be pressed more aggressively than usual to stop the car.
Contact professional mechanics to have the pad inspected (or even replaced, if needed).
Plus, do not forget to abide by the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule; it has done wonders for my car – and likely yours, too.
Malfunctioning ABS Module
On slippery surfaces, my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee service electric brake system light often blinks a little whenever the ABS hits.
But that’s actually pretty normal; the car only tries to navigate its steering around a particularly challenging terrain.
What’s NOT normal is that the light starts flashing intermittently and refuses to go away; that’s when you have to pay attention!
The service ABS is obviously experiencing some not-so-pleasant issues, including:
- Blown fuse
- Contaminated or damaged sensor
- Broken or frayed wiring
- Faulty controller
Without a well-functioning ABS, your car may lose traction control, suffer wheel lockups, or even slip off steering power. Hence, keeping the brakes in peak condition is important!
Thankfully, I have found quite a few local shops that diagnose and repair my Jeep Grand Cherokee service electric brake system at quite a low price.
The Brake Warning Light Needs Resetting
The least worrying scenario out of the list! (although, sadly, it’s not that common).
I had it coming one or two times in the past few years, too. My service electric brake system 2005 Grand Cherokee back then has no brake issues at all.
Rather, it’s the light itself that malfunctions, turning on and blinking for no reason.
However, I must admit telling the two apart is not easy. So even if it seems your brakes do not have any other concerning defects, don’t reset or diagnose the lights by yourself.
Get professional opinions from auto technicians – or someone you know with great automobile experience!
How to Improve Your Braking Performance
Want to boost your braking performance to a new level? I have introduced these upgrades to my own service electric brake system Jeep 2005, and they are a miracle:
Increasing Disc Radius
Larger discs allow better brake torque and pad pressure, leading to higher moments.
You don’t have to do anything extra with your service trailer brake system: on my part, I just simply increased distances from the center point, and that’s more than enough.
Increasing Caliper Piston Areas
Why this tip?
Simple: the surge in piston size or numbers enables drivers ample room to apply constant yet specific pressure.
As the area is larger with more consistent pressure, the applied force will benefit the most from that!
Increasing Brake Line Pressure
Push your feet harder, and the vehicle will brake harder due to increased line pressure!
Another of my favorite tips is to create larger lever arms, which support the brake pedal much better.
Using a vacuum assist is not half-bad. Either way, I have witnessed amazing results for both methods.
Increasing The Coefficient Friction Between The Rotor and The Pad
The heading itself is self-explanatory: boosted rotor-pad friction increases the applied force between your brakes, equaling more power pressed onto the wheels.
All of that leads to better braking torque with much faster vehicle deceleration.
Simply go to the nearest automobile shop; the technicians know well what to do.
FAQs
Is It Alright to Keep Driving With The Service Brake System Light On?
Technically, you can, but there are a lot of risks at play. It would be best to stay out of it.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Service Brake System?
From $200 to $800; the exact number depends on your car’s specific problems.
Conclusion
There are many possible triggers behind the service electric brake system light, and my guide has narrowed down some of the most common ones.
Keep in mind my tips for diagnostic check and other extra methods to improve your car’s braking; don’t hesitate to reach me if you need more advice on the service electric brake system!