cold temps = brake problems?

I got into the van this morning to take the wife to work and when I started the van, the "brake" light stayed on . I checked to make sure the emergency brake was not on, which it wasn't. I drove the van and the brakes seemed fine as they have in the past. I drove the van the night before and there were no problems. The temperature outside this morning was -15 F with a wind chill of -30. I wonder if the cold temps have anything to do with it? I'm waiting for the sun to shine on the van a little so I can open the hood to check the brake fluid. It's pretty frozen right now as we had a small snowstorm and the snow that was on the van melted a little from the sun and re-froze. Has anybody else experienced a problem like this? I also used the remote starter this morning, and wonder if it had anything to do with it. I have had electrical problems with the van crop up after it was installed 4 years ago, but nothing has happened lately when I've used it.

I have the same problem with my 2002; except I'm also getting a weird symbol (circle with the "fluid" sign. hard to explain, but not in manual

UPDATE- Well, I went to pick up my wife from work, and the light still was on. We went out to dinner afterwards, and when I got back into the van and started it, the light did not come back on. This morning (still very cold) I started the van with the remote starter, and when I got into the van, the brake light was on again. I'm beginning to wonder if the remote starter has something to do with it. To deactivate the remote starter to drive, you need to step on the brake pedal to shut off the van. I'm hoping the light goes off again and stays off, and the weather outside gets warmer so I don't have to use the remote starter, and see if the light comes back on.

Yes, it could be the aftermarket auto start system causing your problem. Did you get a chance to check the brake fluid level? The brake fluid will expand and contract with the temperature. Cold temps at night, fluid contracts causing sensor to light up the brake light. Using the brakes while driving heats up the fluid and then it expands enough to keep the light from coming on. Then the cycle repeats itself when the fluid gets cold enough.

Let us know after you check the brake fluid level.

I took it to the dealer but they were closing so the van was not looked at. Spoke to the service advisor and he says I most likely need new brakes. Will they top of fluid level? Not sure how this works. I was quoted $300 CAN plus tax for new front brakes. Is this reasonable.

k, so it appears that the brake fluid level is low. What is the solution to this problem and what should I expect to be done to the vehicle? Since this is not under warranty, I will need to pay for these repairs and I would like to make sure I don't end up paying out of my ears for work that the van doesn't need. I'm not a mechanic as you can probably tell. Your expertise is appreciated.

Baby141. As your brake pads wear down the brake fluid level goes down, this is normal. When the dealer puts new brake pads on they will have to push the caliper piston back into the caliper so the new brake pads will fit back in. This will cause the brake fluid to be pushed back up in the brake reservoir (the plastic container under your hood that holds the extra brake fluid). If you don't have a leak somewhere, the brake fluid level should return to the proper level. I am sure they will put more brake fluid in after they change the brake pads if it needs it.

Now, if you have a leak, that will also cause the brake level to be low. Your dealer should be able to tell if you have a leak in the brake system when you take it in.

That's how it works. The brakes wear (pads get thinner) and more brake fluid gets pushed into the hydraulic system to make up the space difference caused by the thinning brake pads.

I don't know how much your Canadian dealer should charge. If you just need brake pads it will be cheaper than if you need both pads and brake rotors.

Relax, this is normal when you need new brakes. Let us know what the problem was when you get it fixed.

Wow, great explanation. I learned more from you in 10 minutes than 2 hours at the dealership. One dealership was acutally telling me the low fluid symbol meant my ignition switch needed to be replaced. I was skeptical and then they tried to say that I had to pay $100 because my aftermarket car starter was the cause of the problem with the switch. My warranty would cover the replacement of the switch, but not the labour !So, I told them don't touch my precious van. So, I'm so glad I found this forum. Is a leak in the brakes covered under warranty? I know the actual brake job itself would not be. In your expert opinion(and I value it a lot); should I take it to a dealership or go to any mechanic. Hey we just got two feet of snow!!!

As for your warranty, do you know if it still is? I know in one of your previous posts you said it was a 2002, but if you have exceeded the mileage limitations (36000 miles?) then probably not. I would ask your friends or aquaintances for reccomendations on mechanics or repair shops in your area. I would get a second opinion concerning your need for brake work. Some of the national chain repair shops are good to check out also. I believe the wheel cylinders, brake calipers, and master cylinder are covered under warranty and can be replaced if leaking. I would think the brake lines would be too, but I know someone who had a different GM vehicle still under warranty and developed a leak in a brake line. The dealership said it was caused by corrosion and wouldn't cover it. He fought the decision and after awhile the dealer ended up paying for part of the repair.

Baby141, If you are still under some kind of warranty then a leak in the brake system should be fixed under warranty. I don't know what warranty you have on your Venture, sometimes Canadian warranties are different than the USA. I have a 2002 Silhouette and it came with a 5 year 60k mile warranty. Your dealer can answer your warranty question better than I can. If they ask for your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) it is located on top of the dash, drivers side.

Where ever you take it to get brakes put on, make sure they give you an estimate for replacing just the brake pads and an estimate for pads and rotors.

You can always call another dealer if you don't like the answer from the first dealer. Some dealers are better then others.