Brake fluid pressure sensor

A brake fluid pressure sensor senses the brake fluid pressure in a hydraulic braking system. The sensor is a type of pressure switch that shows and alerts a fault in the braking system.^[1]

Brake problems

The fault could be lack of hydraulic fluid, low brake fluid in the reservoir, a broken hydraulic line or a bad master brake cylinder. The sensor is used to detect pressure differentials in the hydraulic system. If the car alerts a fault in the hydraulic system and the system checks out, the sensor itself may have failed.^[2]

Design

The sensor has an input port to measure the hydraulic braking pressure and an electrical connector output for a wire connection for feeding the warning light. Some brake failures do not trip the sensor into a fault mode.

A brake fluid pressure sensor is used in anti-lock braking system (ABS). ABS fault lights come on with unexpected wheel lock from the ABS system, but could also include low fluid in the reservoir.^[3][4][5][6]

New accident avoidance technologies system also use brake fluid pressure sensors.^[7]

Many large heavy vehicles, like trucks, particularly those having multiple trailers use air brakes that use air pressure sensors.

Examples

• 
  Mechanical Pressure Switch with integrated connector
• 
  Mechanical Pressure Switch with Plug-in connector

See also

• Hydropneumatic
• List of auto parts
• Pascal's law