techno101

So my dash light for the parking brake is on... The handle is down. I replaced the two rear cables. Does anyone know how to correct this problem? Having a bright red light in my face just isn't that cool....

techno101

No one has any input on this?? Where is the switch for the light located on the handle mechanism??

jermdm

The red brake light on the dash just isn't for the parking brake. It also lets you know that there is or could be a problem with the hydraulic system too. If your parking brake handle is down and the light doesn't go out, the switch on the parking brake lever could be bad or the wire is grounded. The other thing is the switch on the proportioning valve under the hood. This is the switch that turns on the light and lets you know if there is or could be a problem with the hydraulic system. This switch could be bad or the wire is grounded. Also could have a bad proportioning valve.

techno101

Ok cool, because I changed rear ends and installed new brake shoes, and parking brake cables, now the light is on. Could air in the lines cause the light?

rusty vango

the switch for it is under the console .on the lever assy. it probably is either out of adjustment or un plugged

techno101

Awesome thank you!! That's what I needed!

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

Anyone know where I can get a new parking brake switch, mine is bad. Every time I wiggle the e-brake lever when down, it goes off. I go over a bump, or even after a little bit of time, the light comes back.

techno101

Well I changed all the fluid in the master cylinder and bled the brakes until new fluid was flowing out. Now the light isn't on anymore...

LsxMatt

iTrader: (4)

When you get air in the system theres a differential valve inside the proportioning valve thats moves to the side with the air, grounding the circuit for the brake light. Lol the more you know

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

Funny you should say that, I actually just did that... Meaning I bled the system. There was air in there because the light came on and stayed on. Bled it sone more and the only thing that puts on the brake light now is the e-brake. I was really considering getting a 4th gen one. It seems like it's the same.
Was hoping not to get a whole assembly but if worst comes to worst.... That's why I was hoping I could get or repair the switch.

LsxMatt

iTrader: (4)

Yea, the easiest way to tell if its a parking brake lever issue, or a problem with the hydraulics is to unplug the connector on the proportioning valve. If the light goes out, its a problem with the hydraulic system.

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

I did the same thing, that's how i diagnosed each problem .

gregl316

iTrader: (1)

Mine does the same thing. The lite comes on when I press on the brakes. Not at first but after I push a little. Could that be air? I have bleed the brakes several times. I paid a shop to bleed them. Is there any other reason?

alex722607

iTrader: (3)

This might help you out. The unlabeled page is front disk, rear wheel hub, I guess. Idk, I have 4 wheel disks so I never used that page.



Quick question, anyone know for sure if the 4th gen e-brake assembly is the same, or rather a direct bolt in. The light in the dash keeps making me think somethings wrong. My assembly got worst.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Thanks guys. Just had a rear line fixed and all new DOT4 fluid added. Bled and the brakes don't mush down, fairly firm throughout pressing the pedal. But that light is still on. I'm going to do what you guys said and see what's what. Any chance you guys have the part numbers for what needs replaced. Just got my car back after 9 years. Many things to recheck and go over. All help is appreciated. Thanks again.

I H8 WWD

iTrader: (5)

Turns out it just needed to cycle. Light is off after the rear brake line fix and a drive.