My brake and battery lights came on yesterday afternoon. At first they were only on if I was accelerating but went off when I braked, now they stay on all the time. Also I have a really stong fluid smell but cant find a leak anywhere. It‘s smells like antifreeze but I checked all my hoses and there are no leaks on any of them. Last time this happened my car died two days later and needed a new starter. The starter was replaced in May and was brand new not used. Any ideas? Its a 91 Geo
If the strong antifreeze coolant smell is when your in the car and you've started using the heater this year, you could have a leaking heater core under your dash. If so, eventually you may see steam in the car and an oily substance on the inside of the windshield. Drive to a local auto parts store to get your battery and charging system checked for free. Check your brake reservoir yourself to see if the fluid level is up to the full mark. But you need to get the brake light checked out immediately as noted in the first answer.
Brake light usually indicates the parking brake is on or the brake fluid level is low. Assuming its not related to the parking brake, you need to add brake fluid. And you need to check it NOW. The Battery light usually indicates something is wrong with the charging system. With the age of this car, it could possibly be your alternator or even the fan belt. You should have this car looked at by a mechanic or by someone who knows about cars. And you need to do it NOW! Please, for your own safety as well as those around you.
