Warning Lights Won't Go Out

ChewBakker · April 15, 2005

Hi All,

I've just replaced my 1998 BMW 740 with a 1998 LS 400. What a car !!!

Anyway, small problem. When I bought the car the Washer Bottle warning light was on. I didn't worry too much about this as I assumed filling it would exstinguish the light - It hasn't. Has anyone an idea on this one?

Secondly, the handbrake warning light does not go out even when the handbrake is released. This started happening after I bought the car. I've checked the brake fluid level (as suggested in the owner's handbook) and it is just above the max level in the filler tank under the bonnet. Has anyone any ideas on this one?

Thanks all.

adz · April 15, 2005

I'm not sure about the washer bottle mate but are you sure the handbrake one isn't the low brake pad warning light? I had that on my LS, so I changed the pads which made no difference. In the end I twisted the pad sensor wires together on the front and rear which were snapped.It's quite a common problem but costs nothing to fix, assuming your pads aren't actually worn.

ChewBakker · April 15, 2005

I emptied the washer bottle, refilled it, thumped it, then the light went out. Guess it was a sticking and/or faulty sensor switch.

Brakes.

When the car starts the light is on. If I release the handbrake the light on the dash goes out. When I then put my foot on the brakes (not handbrake) the light comes on and does not go out until ignition is turned off. I suspect from what you say that this could be related to a low pads sensor. It states in the manual that a message should come up saying that the pads are low - I am not seeing this message. I'll take the wheels off and have a look at the pads tomorrow.

Thanks for the help

Monster-Mat · April 15, 2005

I emptied the washer bottle, refilled it, thumped it, then the light went out. Guess it was a sticking and/or faulty sensor switch.
Brakes.

When the car starts the light is on. If I release the handbrake the light on the dash goes out. When I then put my foot on the brakes (not handbrake) the light comes on and does not go out until ignition is turned off. I suspect from what you say that this could be related to a low pads sensor. It states in the manual that a message should come up saying that the pads are low - I am not seeing this message. I'll take the wheels off and have a look at the pads tomorrow.

Thanks for the help

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check the fluid level, i think you will find its a little low...........time to check the brake pads me thinks

johnboy · April 15, 2005

Do you have a rear brake light not working,

could be just a blown bulb at the back

Tron20 · April 16, 2005

Defo do as john boy suggested, just get a handy assistant to help press the brake whilst you check the lights, i've had this on my lexus, my das old gs300, his gs430, and my old honda's, definately worth checking before stripping your alloys off and all the calipers down

ChewBakker · April 16, 2005

I took the car into Kwik Fit and they did a free brake system check and told me it was a faulty brake sensor. They said if I ordered one from Lexus they could fit it.

Coming back and reading the further replies, I checked the brake lights as suggested. Lo and behold, one the rear brake lights was not working.

Thanks everyone for your help. There is nothing the owners manual that says this could be the problem when the warning light comes on, only had brake on or low brake fluid level.