What Does This Dashboard Light Mean ?

[Walesgbn]

When I initially start my car the "Brake System" light flashes for about 10-15 seconds before going out. This is the red circle with the exclamation mark in it....it looks like: (!)

In the manual it states that causes for this are low brake fluid. I have checked this and the level is fine. I have also checked the pads all round (even having replaced my front pads recently) and these are fine.

The car certainly brakes OK so I am left wondering if the flashing is merely a start up procedure because once the car is warm this light never flashes again....i.e not until the next day.

Can any body confirm whether the light normally flashes on start up and if not what the problem could be ?

Cheers!

Brett

[AKKERS]

When I first bought my coupe I had the same issue, but my local independent VAG mechanic, said that it was nothing to worry about as it was the brake pressure "bomb" building up its pressure first thing in the morning - or something along those lines.

[Walesgbn]

Thank you ! that's exactly what I have been thinking that it is a start up procedure.

I will however check this out with Audi to be on the safe side but I inclined to agree with you

Cheers!

Brett

[scotty33]

Hi, The warning flashes for 3 reasons, low brake fluid level, low hydraulic fluid level or low hydraulic pressure.
Your symptoms sound like the accumulator is bleeding it's pressure away overnight, when you restart in the morning, there is then low pressure in the system until the accumulator has recharged. This probably means there is a problem with your system, but the car is probably safe to drive, just the alarm will be annoying?
I would suggest you run your engine until the system is at full pressure, then turn it off. Then press the brake pedal repeatedly until, the pedal 'goes hard' as long as you get approx 6 presses, I would consider it safe, but ideally you should get over 20.

I would guess that the problem could be with the accumulator (or 'bomb'), but it could also be leakage inside the hydraulic servo/booster. Both are quite expensive new so I would suggest live with it if you can.

More Info here:

http://20v.org/brakprob.htm

http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/troubl...rake.html#bomb