Annoying sound when applying brakes

Hi,

Is it the beep I'm hearing? Can you tell approximately where it is coming from? Are all the brake lights working?


Let me know.

Joe

Yes, all the brake lights are working. It is a beep sound and that's the problem. I don't know where it comes from.

Madeline,

That's a tough one to call not being there. When you hear it, try to see if it is coming from under the dash, from a radio speaker, if you can hear it outside, anything to narrow it down.

Let me know. I'll try my best to help, I just need a little more to go on. By the way, I really like your last name. LOL, I got to spend time there years ago. It's seriously an interesting place. I can't wait to return.

Take care and let me know.

Joe

It's coming from under the dash.

This may be a bit tricky. Let's start with checking the fuse box at the end of the left side of the dash. See if the sound comes from there.

If that doesn't help, in that box, locate the brake light fuse (7.5amp). Remove it and see if the sound goes away. (See pic below for fuse box location)

See pic below. My manual doesn't provide the fuse layout. Also, when that fuse is removed, the brake lights should not work. Don't drive it until it is reinstalled. I'm just trying to determine if the beep you hear is being powered by that circuit.

Also, let me know if this happens in any gear or is it specific to reverse, if there are any warning lights on, and if you have had the computer scanned to see if a code is stored in the ABS module.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below .

Well, i don't know if i am wrong here, but after i did some research i think it has something to do with actuator.

Are you referring to the park brake switch? If so, it is located at the top of the brake pedal lever. See pic 1

Locate the switch and see if that is where it is coming from.

Let me know.

Joe

Hello, sorry for the late reply. I don't think it's the park brake switch because when i press the brakes and also when i drive the sound keep going.

When i put the car on park there are no sounds.

Hi,

Welcome back. I have dug through everything manual I have and there are no technical service bulletins for a single beep as in your video.

Here is what I need to try. There is a chance the brake light switch is causing a short. I need you to disconnect it and see if the sound stops. Do not drive it with that off. It needs to be reconnected before driving.

See pic below. The switch is at the top of the brake pedal.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi, sorry for the late reply again. So, i told my brother to check the brake light and everything seemed normal. So, i went for a drive to test the brakes and it's not working, and the sound keeps beeping.

Hi,

Do you mean the brake lights aren't working? If that is the case, then we either have a bad switch or power issue.

Let me know.

Joe

No. No lol. It's The brakes which is actually which is not working. The brake lights are good.

Madeline, I'm sorry, but I'm not sure what you mean. You indicated, "No. No lol. It's The brakes which is actually which is not working." Are the brakes not working?

Again, sorry for the confusion. LOL I'm really trying.

Joe

Yes, the brakes are not working and the beep sound continues.

Okay, that is a totally different issue than what I first understood. When you apply the brakes, does the pedal go to the floor? Explain what happens when you press the brake pedal, and they fail to work.

Joe

It doesn't go to the floor. It goes 3/4 down. And a beep sound follows when i press the brakes fully.

Hi,

Okay, if that is the issue, we need to check a few things. It shouldn't go that far and it's the likely cause of the noise.

Have you checked the brake fluid level? Also, is there any evidence of a leak at any of the wheels or under the vehicle?

Take a look through this link. It talks about the pedal going to the floor. I realize yours doesn't, but it could be related.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-pedal-goes-to-the-floor

Let me know your thoughts and what you find when you check the level and for leaks.

Take care,

Joe

Hi. The fluid is low but I don't see any leaks.

Madeline,

Do me a favor. If you feel the vehicle is still safe to drive, refill the brake fluid and drive it. See if the level drops. I'm starting to question if it is the master cylinder that is causing the issue. There are plungers that force the fluid through the brake system when you press the brakes. Sometimes, they will begin to fail, and the pedal will start going lower. Fluid can actually be leaking back into the booster.

Let me know if you are comfortable doing this. Also, I want you to try something for me.

When in the vehicle and stopped, pump the brakes to see if the brake pedal travel lessens. If it does, then do this. Hold pressure on it for some time to see if it slowly starts moving toward the floor. Try that even if it doesn't seem to lessen in travel.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi, i put some more fluid. At first it was okay. But after sometimes the brake pedal feel lessen again. So, i stopped the car and hold the pressure and it is actually moving towards the floor.

The master cylinder is likely bad. That is where the problem is most likely coming from. If you don't see any leaks, my suggestion would be to replace the master cylinder. It shouldn't slowly go to the floor and the brake pedal shouldn't go 3/4 of the way down when you brake.

Here is the issue that we need to take into consideration. The brake master cylinder is part of the booster assembly. The system is electronically controlled. As a result, this isn't a simple remove and replace the master cylinder. What I strongly recommend is to have the computer scanned (can-scan). CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the computers and modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will identify codes regardless of the module storing them. In this case, it's the brake control module.

Here is a link explaining how it's done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

I am suggesting this because purchasing a new component is very expensive. This isn't something that I would just arbitrarily tell you to replace without solid proof it is bad. The part alone will likely be between $700.00 and a retail of $1,000.00.

Let me know if that is something you can have done.

Take care,

Joe

Hi. I am not an expert in car mechanics and i would like to take it to a mechanic. Can i still drive it?

Madeline,

If they are working, you should be okay. Just be careful and aware there is a potential issue. If you have a chance, could you let me know what they tell you?

Take care,

Joe

Yes. Don't worry. I ride the brakes a lot when i drive. Yes, i will tell you if i have the chance to. Thanks

Thanks, Madeline. Be careful and I look forward to hearing from you.

Take care,

Joe

So, I talked to the mechanic. And he said it has something to do with master cylinder, but he said the car can still be driven. I don't know for how long. And he also told me to buy the parts. So, i will have to drive to buy the parts.

Madeline,

Make sure the parts store has one. This isn't a traditional master cylinder. Also, the person replacing it really should confirm it is the problem before replacing it. It is an expensive part and I wouldn't want you to pay for one and find it isn't the issue.

Based on what you described, it sounds like it is the problem. I just don't want you to waste your money. Just trying to look out for you. LOL

Let me know if you have questions. Also, let me know if you find what you need.

Take care,

Joe

Well, for now the brakes are still working. How about i replace it later? I just need to pump to stop sometimes.

Madeline,

I can't feel comfortable saying that it would be safe. Without having the vehicle in front of me, I can't say. If the pedal is going 3/4 of the way to the floor already, there isn't much left. I can't say it will be safe. I certainly don't want you to have an accident.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

No problem, lol. I usually ride the brakes a lot when I drive. So, it's safe enough. You don't have to worry.

Sounds good. If you have a chance, let me know what ultimately takes care of the problem.

Take care, be careful, and let me know.

Joe