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Brake Fluid Level Sensor Replacement

frupp

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frupp Enthusiast

frupp

Posted
Posted

A few days ago the brake warning light on my dash illuminated and did not go out. The E brake is not engaged and I found that if I unplugged the plug attached to the brake fluid level sensor on the master cylinder reservoir the light would go out as normal. The fluid level is within specs and not low.

 

Is it possible to replace the reservoir and/or sensor by removing the reservoir from the master cylinder and replacing it with a new one, and not have to bleed the entire brake system?

 

Thanks.

Frank

tylerjenkins92@aol.com Senior Enthusiast

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Posted
Posted
A few days ago the brake warning light on my dash illuminated and did not go out. The E brake is not engaged and I found that if I unplugged the plug attached to the brake fluid level sensor on the master cylinder reservoir the light would go out as normal. The fluid level is within specs and not low.

 

Is it possible to replace the reservoir and/or sensor by removing the reservoir from the master cylinder and replacing it with a new one, and not have to bleed the entire brake system?

 

Thanks.

Frank

 

I wouldn't go through all that trouble just for a brake fluid level sensor, I'd just leave it unplugged. The chances that you will run out of brake fluid are null, the chances that you'll run out of brake fluid and can't stop are none. You have a bigger chance of a brake line rusting and busting than running out of brake fluid.

bossier62guy Senior Enthusiast

bossier62guy

Posted
Posted
A few days ago the brake warning light on my dash illuminated and did not go out. The E brake is not engaged and I found that if I unplugged the plug attached to the brake fluid level sensor on the master cylinder reservoir the light would go out as normal. The fluid level is within specs and not low.

 

Is it possible to replace the reservoir and/or sensor by removing the reservoir from the master cylinder and replacing it with a new one, and not have to bleed the entire brake system?

 

Thanks.

Frank

 

It's a simple process.....just compress the locking tabs on the opposite side of the mastercylinder and slide the sensor out. Install the new sensor until the tabs lock into place. No need to remove the reservoir. No bleeding required.

frupp Enthusiast

frupp

Posted
  • Author
Posted
A few days ago the brake warning light on my dash illuminated and did not go out. The E brake is not engaged and I found that if I unplugged the plug attached to the brake fluid level sensor on the master cylinder reservoir the light would go out as normal. The fluid level is within specs and not low.

 

Is it possible to replace the reservoir and/or sensor by removing the reservoir from the master cylinder and replacing it with a new one, and not have to bleed the entire brake system?

 

Thanks.

Frank

 

It's a simple process.....just compress the locking tabs on the opposite side of the mastercylinder and slide the sensor out. Install the new sensor until the tabs lock into place. No need to remove the reservoir. No bleeding required.

 

frupp Enthusiast

frupp

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Thanks. That's great. Is it possible to buy just the sensor? So far, everywhere I have looked the reservoir is included with the sensor (or vice-versa) and in many cases I would have to buy the entire master cylinder.

bossier62guy Senior Enthusiast

bossier62guy

Posted
Posted
Thanks. That's great. Is it possible to buy just the sensor? So far, everywhere I have looked the reservoir is included with the sensor (or vice-versa) and in many cases I would have to buy the entire master cylinder.

 

Yes you can buy just the sensor....I know www.rockauto.com shows a listing for an Airtex 5S1194 and a standard motor products FLS-12 replacements for my truck and I bet we have the same mastercylinder. They do show the Airtex as a replacement part for an 01 Suburban but not the SMP and show no listing whatsoever for the 00 Suburban. But they do show the mastercylinder the same part number for your Suburban and my truck. Who knows what's up w/ those listings. You might give the local GM dealer a call on that one.

Napa also shows a ECH FLS504 available for $11.99 for my truck. It damn sure couldn't hurt to buy one and give it a try. This look right?

99299.jpg

  • 2 months later...
qristofer Enthusiast

qristofer

Posted
Posted

So, did replacing the fluid sensor solve your problem? If I am not wrong, I think there should also be a float on the inside of the reservoir. And also looking at the pic above, what are you pressing to get the sensor out. Is it on the inside of the reservoir or on the outside of the reservoir where the electric connector attaches

frupp Enthusiast

frupp

Posted
  • Author
Posted
So, did replacing the fluid sensor solve your problem? If I am not wrong, I think there should also be a float on the inside of the reservoir. And also looking at the pic above, what are you pressing to get the sensor out. Is it on the inside of the reservoir or on the outside of the reservoir where the electric connector attaches

 

 

John and Chris: I never did have the need to replace the sensor as the 2000 Suburban was totaled shortly thereafter by a driver not paying any attention and hitting my Suburban at 40 mph. It went to a salvage auction.

  • 11 months later...
qristofer Enthusiast

qristofer

Posted
Posted

I tried replacing the sensor, but that did not work. I bought a new reservoir for $38.00 and installed it. It took about 30 mins to remove and install the reservoir. I did not have to bleed the brakes because the master cylinder still had fluid in it. After all that work, and the dang brake light is still on, so I took it to firestone and they did a reset for me. The light has not been back since-100miles anyway. Now I am trying to figure out why my ABS light does not come on when I turn the key on? Found the problem, some shady dealer had snapped the LED light off the instrument cluster, and now I need to find a replacement LED and someone that can solder the bulb in without frying the entire cluster board. Tsk, Tsk.

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