brake reservoir sensors

[sashal]

Are both the high and the low fluid sensors on the brake reservoir "normally off (open)" switches or should the low fluid be "normally on (closed)" and the high fluid be a "normally off (open)"?

I am trying to tell if one of the sensors is broken (which would explain the brake light coming on even when the pads should be good). Both my high and low sensors are showing an open switch and the circuit diagrams look like that should be correct but I want to eliminate the possibility that one of the switches is broken before I look for other problems. I can't find any normally on (closed) switches in the diagram so I am wondering if that is an oversight of the Haynes manual.

Thanks,
Sasha

[Jeremy5848]

The "sensors" (float switches) are wired in parallel; both indicate "low brake fluid level." Note that the same light in your instrument cluster is used to indicate that the Parking Brake is engaged. If the parking brake switch is broken or mis-adjusted it will turn the warning light on. Similarly, a stuck float switch will keep the light on. If you unplug both connectors on the reservoir, the light should go out. If it does not, check the parking brake switch.

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by sashal

I am trying to tell if one of the sensors is broken (which would explain the brake light coming on even when the pads should be good).

The pad sensors and associated warning lamp are on a completely different circuit than the fluid level warning. Which brake light is illuminating?

[toomany MBZ]

^ Agreed, if the orange light is lit, that is the low pad sensor, if the red BRAKE light is lit, that is an indicator of low fluid.