Brake warning light won't go out - HELP!

[Finbarr]

Hey guys, on the power up test, the red warning light below the ABS light that until yesterday always went out, no longer does.

The ABS (Brake Failure) light does go out after driving off.
Brakes work fine, lights and fluid all check out OK - I'm a bit stumped.

Manual states that the brake/tail light is the culprit in this instance, but both work okay.

On turning on the key, the tail light doesn't come on right away - there's a pause of about 3 secs, then the tail light comes on. The headlight comes on immediately the ignition is active however.

Anyone know something silly that I'm over looking?
03 1150gs.

Cheers,
Finbarr.

 

[Rod Souter]

Brake light

Are you sure one of the filaments/bulbs has not failed, as the "smart electronics" utilises the other to provide functionality?

Rod

 

[Steve]

Re: Brake light

Are you sure one of the filaments/bulbs has not failed, as the "smart electronics" utilises the other to provide functionality?

Rod

That's it in a nutshell. On the newer models, if the tail filament fails, the brake filament takes over at a reduced voltage, so it may not be obvious that your bulb's gone. Surprised it takes three seconds for the electronics to work it out though.

 

[Finbarr]

Okay, I'll take the cover off and check the bulb. Wasn't aware that the smarty-pants electrickery would lower the voltage to make it look likes it's okay.

Thanks for the quick replies.

Kind regards,
JD.

 

[cactipus]

Heard that the lights fitted from a Twingo will fix the problem!

Sorry personal joke but Finbarr will get it.

 

[Finbarr]

Yeah, yeah, yeah... Cheers, Cactipus. (you need to find a new joke - this ones getting pretty long teeth!)

I replaced the bulb in the rear light, (one filament had died) and all is well.

Thanks again to Rod & Scurrell.

Fin.