This sensor is not a simple open or closed switch. When open it still passes a small current. It should have about 10k of resistance when open so that there is a small voltage drop across the sensor. This is how the computer can tell whether the sensor is plugged in and the wiring to it is good. When the sensor is unplugged there is no small current and the computer lights the dash light to indicate this. If the sensor has too much or too little resistance when open then the small voltage drop will be too great or too small and the computer lights the dash light to indicate a sensor or wiring failure.
I have the same thing with my 2008 Dodge Grand caravan. It was tested today and tested bad. Tomorrow, I will get a new switch and swap them out. That darn brake light comes on after 15 seconds on mine and drives me crazy. I can fix that and come back from nutty island!
How did u check for continuity with the vehicle on? Wasn't the sensor plugged in? I'm missing something here. In order to check the sensor,u have to access the 2 pins which has to be unplugged from the power plug. Anyway,I have the exact same problem but the new switch didn't work.
You are correct. You have test for continuity with vehicle off. The two most common issues are the brake fluid sensor or the emergency brake under dash. Does the cluster of lights including the brake light come on and then go out with the brake light coming back on after 10 seconds?
Obviously if the fluid level is low it would do the same thing with a good sensor. I'm sure u checked it. I'll do some more research. In the meantime how do the wires look at the sensor?
@@chrisl515 Right. When I turn it on,the brake light comes on after 10 seconds. This van has been doing this for the last year..I replaced brake pedal switch and also checked the e-brake then just finally gave up as the brakes work perfectly and I can still get it inspected. When I saw your video today,I went right to the mopar dealer and put the part in right there,turned it on and crossed my fingers but 10 secs it popped on. Darn my luck today! And the reservoir is full.
@@umpy3152 it's going to drive me nuts now. Sorry that part didn't work. I'll keep thinking about it. If u fix it please let me know. Out of curiosity are u able to actuate the e-brake pedal on and off during that 10 seconds before the light comes on? If the light goes on and off it would lead me back to the master cylinder. I would think the magnet in the master cylinder is stuck down near the bottom causing the new installed sensor to close creating a voltage path. It is a reed switch. Pull the new sensor from under the master cylinder but leave it plugged in and away from the bottom of the master cylinder. If u haven't already tried. If it works then something is stuck. I would try tapping the master cylinder lightly. It may sound crazy but sometimes new parts can also be bad from the factory.
No need to remove reservoir. There is a small clip on the underside. I used a small mirror so I could see underneath and then used a pointed object to depress the clip. It removes very easy. Be gentle and just depress the clip lock.
The master cylinder is white transparent. U should be able to see through it as well from the side. I rock my vehicle a little and can see the fluid movement.
@@chrisl515 I have to take it in Monday. I have a feeling there is another leak because the light comes on and I have to fill it back to the line each time. Smh
@@chrisl515 and I have a 2008 Dodge Caravan SXT. This can constantly has problems with the brakes. Had them replaces in October and the pads. Now I hear the brakes every time I press them. Smh
@@TheLifeofJenelle could be a couple different things. I would take it to someone you trust that can inspect the brakes. I started my own shop and this should be pretty affordable for an inspection. Noise is not always dangerous as long as the vehicle has no stopping issues. Could be something simple like the pad hardware which would me normal if not installed right. I have had broken rotors though as well come in. That you would want to fix immediately. Brake level is serious though. Make sure that the fluid is at the right height. If not get some DOT 3 or 4 rated fluid and fill it to the correct level.
This sensor is not a simple open or closed switch. When open it still passes a small current. It should have about 10k of resistance when open so that there is a small voltage drop across the sensor. This is how the computer can tell whether the sensor is plugged in and the wiring to it is good. When the sensor is unplugged there is no small current and the computer lights the dash light to indicate this. If the sensor has too much or too little resistance when open then the small voltage drop will be too great or too small and the computer lights the dash light to indicate a sensor or wiring failure.
This is good info. Thanks!
Excellent video , I am having this issue !
I have the same thing with my 2008 Dodge Grand caravan. It was tested today and tested bad. Tomorrow, I will get a new switch and swap them out. That darn brake light comes on after 15 seconds on mine and drives me crazy. I can fix that and come back from nutty island!
A little off topic but should a 2005 Grand Caravan have a dash 🚦 indicator if park Brake is engaged?
Yes it should be illuminated when the parking brake is engaged.
Thanks good video
Correct part number and brand for brake fluid level sensor. Duralast SU15046, approximately 40 dollars.
How did u check for continuity with the vehicle on? Wasn't the sensor plugged in? I'm missing something here. In order to check the sensor,u have to access the 2 pins which has to be unplugged from the power plug. Anyway,I have the exact same problem but the new switch didn't work.
You are correct. You have test for continuity with vehicle off. The two most common issues are the brake fluid sensor or the emergency brake under dash. Does the cluster of lights including the brake light come on and then go out with the brake light coming back on after 10 seconds?
Obviously if the fluid level is low it would do the same thing with a good sensor. I'm sure u checked it. I'll do some more research. In the meantime how do the wires look at the sensor?
The parking brake could also be partially applied.
@@chrisl515 Right. When I turn it on,the brake light comes on after 10 seconds. This van has been doing this for the last year..I replaced brake pedal switch and also checked the e-brake then just finally gave up as the brakes work perfectly and I can still get it inspected. When I saw your video today,I went right to the mopar dealer and put the part in right there,turned it on and crossed my fingers but 10 secs it popped on. Darn my luck today! And the reservoir is full.
@@umpy3152 it's going to drive me nuts now. Sorry that part didn't work. I'll keep thinking about it. If u fix it please let me know. Out of curiosity are u able to actuate the e-brake pedal on and off during that 10 seconds before the light comes on? If the light goes on and off it would lead me back to the master cylinder. I would think the magnet in the master cylinder is stuck down near the bottom causing the new installed sensor to close creating a voltage path. It is a reed switch. Pull the new sensor from under the master cylinder but leave it plugged in and away from the bottom of the master cylinder. If u haven't already tried. If it works then something is stuck. I would try tapping the master cylinder lightly. It may sound crazy but sometimes new parts can also be bad from the factory.
I have a ram 1500 and my emergency brake light flashes while in gear my brake is off is this the same part for. A ram
I'm not positive if it is the same part sorry?
@@chrisl515 dont be sir you d9dnhelp me out alot and I thank you
How did he get the old sensor out?
read the comments and you will find out. ;-)
How do you remove the sensor? Do I have to take the reservoir off?
No need to remove reservoir. There is a small clip on the underside. I used a small mirror so I could see underneath and then used a pointed object to depress the clip. It removes very easy. Be gentle and just depress the clip lock.
It fixed my problem hopefully it works for you!
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.8 liter.
I took it in and there was a leak. 3 months later and now it is back on. Smh
Is there another leak? Is master cylinder fluid low?
The master cylinder is white transparent. U should be able to see through it as well from the side. I rock my vehicle a little and can see the fluid movement.
@@chrisl515 I have to take it in Monday. I have a feeling there is another leak because the light comes on and I have to fill it back to the line each time. Smh
@@chrisl515 and I have a 2008 Dodge Caravan SXT. This can constantly has problems with the brakes. Had them replaces in October and the pads. Now I hear the brakes every time I press them. Smh
@@TheLifeofJenelle could be a couple different things. I would take it to someone you trust that can inspect the brakes. I started my own shop and this should be pretty affordable for an inspection. Noise is not always dangerous as long as the vehicle has no stopping issues. Could be something simple like the pad hardware which would me normal if not installed right. I have had broken rotors though as well come in. That you would want to fix immediately. Brake level is serious though. Make sure that the fluid is at the right height. If not get some DOT 3 or 4 rated fluid and fill it to the correct level.