I have an '83 Volvo 240 GL. At first my brakes work fine, but after depressing the break for a second or two it loses a little resistance. It still works I just have to push down further. By this time the "brake failure" light is on. After another second the pedal loses all resistance and the break goes in all the way, it only works alittle bit but not enough to stop. What can I do to fix this I miss my car!!!!!!!!

P.S.
I don't think it is my my brakes, they are fine just the pedal.

Bring it to your favourite mechanic to fix the leak - or more likely - to replace the master cylinder.

Ben,
there are only 2 things that cause a fading brake pedal as you described, they are:

1- a leak somewhere in the system, often at a bleeder valve or a junction (check your junction box just below the booster on the firewall.

AND

2- a master cylinder that is loosing pressure due to faulty seals or leaks at the lines.

either way, you need to check these both out, a new MC is not going to fix anything if you have leaks, and vice versa.

Good luck
chuck
(4 weeks from becoming ASE certified in automotive Brake systems, YEA!)
--
'88 244 174K, '87 BMW 325e 180K (used to feed a '84 245, '84 244, '85 744)

My car did exactally that. Master Cylinder.

The way you describe the problem it sure sounds like the master cylinder is leaking. My experience is not good with rebuilding master cylinders. I think if the master cylinder is the problem then buy a new one IMHO.

Only thing I can think of might be air in the lines? Might need to bleed the break lines. OR...it could be a sign your master cylinder is going.

Classic symtom that the master cylinder is failing. Air in the lines would be more likely to present soft pedal at all times rather than a slow fade of the brake pedal.