Red Exclamation Mark

[Adrian E]

Shine a light at the reservoir and it should be obvious where the marks are - I wouldn't drive it again until you've checked this. It may be as Ian suggested it's just got low brake pads and the fluid level has dropped enough, but with brakes it's always advisable to confirm the obvious before assuming it's nothing to worry about

A leak would be rare without obvious loss of braking performance (you'd expect one circuit of the split to stop functioning and for it to behave very strangely under braking as a result)

[RanjS8]

I ll check the fluid level later today ....if it is low ....top it up and see how I get on.....otherwise I can leave it standing for a few days as I m currently spoilt with choice of 2 d2s on my driveway.....I was trying to downsize but ended up in this bizarre situation....

[RanjS8]

I checked the brake fluid reservoir today and yes the fluid had gone down.....not sure where it has gone at this stage but I m sure there must be a leak somewhere.....will investigate towards the end of week and update the thread accordingly.....

Thanks guys.....I was totally stumped on this one as there wasn't much information online....but thankfully something like this is a common niggle.

[Adrian E]

If the pads aren't very low all round then that fluid is getting out somewhere!

Depends when brake fluid was last changed and what state the pads were in then. It's possible if the fluid was done when the discs and pads were brand new and they're now well worn the level might drop just enough, but that's a stretch to be honest.....

[IT]

Originally Posted by RanjS8

I checked the brake fluid reservoir today and yes the fluid had gone down.....not sure where it has gone at this stage but I m sure there must be a leak somewhere.....will investigate towards the end of week and update the thread accordingly.....

The reservoir is split - So were both sides low, or just one ? I guess if its only one side low then a leak is more plausible. If both are low then maybe the pads have all worn evenly and just enough fluid drop to activate the sensor.... Obviously the issue could be compounded if the car isnt parked on a the flat as the fluid will slop making the problem better or worse ..

Do let us know the outcome, I'm quite curious

[Dezzy]

I sometimes get a red exclamation mark when the water in the expantion bottle gets low and i'm throwing it into a corner.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

I sometimes get a red exclamation mark when the water in the expantion bottle gets low and i'm throwing it intoe a corner.

I had that (ages ago) after some work that required refilling the cooling system and they didn't top it up quite enough or clear the air out properly. Slightly different symbol though.
If you don't have a good reason for it and it keeps appearing it needs investigating.

[ainarssems]

Low coolant level is definitely different red warning on mine, maybe it is different on early A8's.

Here is the list of warning lights, they might vary with age and different models but general idea is the same.

[Dezzy]

I stand corrected said the man in the orthopaedic shoe.

[RanjS8]

Problem resolved today.

Turns out the banjo bolt securing the brake hose to the rear offside brake caliper wasnt tight enough. So you could see fluid leaking out everytime you pressed on the brake pedal.

Will give a few days of driving and testing, but I m fairly confident that was the issue.

Not sure how it could have come loose....and if it was loose how it had never been picked up before.

Oh well I am now a happy chappy with a cheap fix.