FYI: The ABS/ESC warning lampslit up on my 06 Sonata. Also, the brake lights would not come on. Took it to the dealer expecting $$$$. Turned out to be the brake switch. Fixed under warranty in about 10 minutes. Why it istied together, who knows? But I post this in case you have a similar situation.

 

Because all the components you listed (ABS, ESC, the brake light switch) as well as the Traction Control System are all integral to the brake system on the car. Iinternal diagnostics on the brake system determined the switch was malfunctioning, which tripped an error code that lit up the ABS and ESC lights on the dash.

 

Question - does my 2007 Sonata have a function that alerts me when the brake pads are getting low and need to be replaced before the rotors get affected? I've heard of some cars having this, but I'm not sure if this car does.

 

Actually, yes it does. But it's not an electronic monitor that illuminates a light in the dash. Each brake pad has a small piece of metal that will come in contact with the rotor when the pads are low. The metal tab will cause a squealing sound when driving (not while braking). If you hear that squealing, it's time to check your pads.

Also, as the pads wear, less brake fluid returns to the master cylinder. So when the master cylinder is low on fluid, it's a good indication that the pads are worn. DO NOT ADD FLUID! Check the pads first and replace any worn pads. If you add fluid first and then try to replace the pads, you will have to remove fluid form the master cylinder. The braking system is designed to remain closed. The ONLY reasons to add brake fluid is if there is a leak or if you are totally replacing the fluid. There is no need to bleed the brakes when changing pads unless the system is leaking fluid or air has gotten in the system.

 

I agree with you that the ABS, ESC are integral to the brake system. But come on, the cheap *** brake light switch? That is what I meant. And I have to wonder how many people have paid big $$$ for repairs when all that is wrong is a cheap switch? It reminds me of the old Aerostar van I once owned. The horn stopped working. Needed to get it inspected. Can't pass inspection without a horn. Went to the Ford dealer. Bad airbag sensor. Cost several hundred to repair. How is the horn and airbag system tied together? They are not. Just a crappy way to design a car.

 

You asked a question and I tried to answer it without getting too specific. So you think the brake light switch has nothing to do with your car's ABS system? The attachment is the basic wiring schematic of the ABS system to your Sonata. In the upper right hand quadrant you will find the 15A "STOP" fuse listed. Below that is the "Stop Lamp Switch". If you trace the wiring down from the switch, it branches at a joint connector providing a feed to the stop lamps at the back of the car, and a feed to the ABS module. Hmmm. Wonder how the ABS initially knows that you've applied pressure to the brake pedal? Yes, the brake light switch feeds current to a logic circuit in the ABS module that activates the ABS to start monitoring the wheel sensors before you've depressed the pedal far enough to build significant line pressure to the brakes. A similar connection exists between the switch and the ESC, since it needs to know if you are applying brakes as it compensates. Also that little brake light switch is wired to the cruise control system, signaling it to disconnect when you apply the brake. The brake light switch also controls the lock out solanoid that engages when you place the automatic transmission in Park. Since it is wired to and controls so many systems in the car, I would say "yes", the brake light switch is integral to the systems it is connected to and involved with.


[IMG]local://upfiles/4972/FE371C06B59C4CF685914857A32C5E38.jpg[/IMG]

 

To Ken99,
I never said the "cheap *** brake switch" had nothing to do with the ABS, Einstein. But being you are a "SuperMember" complete with cape and tights, I will bow to your arrogance, and your way too detailed knowledge.Nowshut the #%&^ up.

 

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Actually it is recomended every 2 years that you flush the old brake fluid out because it can carry alot of water, remember brake fluid gets hot, gets moisture in it and brakes down. If I got my brakes done I would hope they would bleed it a little.

 

Getting the brakes hot has nothing to do with moisture getting in. Moisture gets in when you open the system or there is a leak. Yes, changing the fluid every few year is recommended but there is no reason to open the system and bleed the brakes when just replacing the pads.