"BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

[alwayscode390]

Hey Guys ... my BRAKE light is stuck on , even after the e-brake is released.

I engage the brake, then pull the release and hear it CLICK and snap up ... to fully release to the top (and I tug on it to make sure its tight at the top).

What could be causing this? Thanks ---

 

[Darin]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

Check the fluid in your master cylinder. Not sure about SYTY's, but DSM's would to light the brake light when they were low.

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

There's a wire that connects to the ebrake that turns the light on/off. Check to make sure its connected.

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

Both GREAT answers. Thanks for the FAST responses too.

So BOOSTED ... exactly where is this wire? I will be looking for it ---

 

[s10blaza]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

Does your parking brake actually engage? The brake cable could just be stretching on you without actually engaging the e-brake when you press the lever

 

[bender]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

my jeep does this, I just pull up on the pedal and it goes out, but chance are the switch is either bad or out of adjustment, look at the switch on the pedal, if I remember right you should be able to adjust the plunger to be closer to the pedal. Try pushing the brake in, and then depress the switch with your finger to see if the light goes out, that will let you know if it needs adjusted. Also pulling the wire will unground it and the light should go out, if that is the case the switch is probably stuck internally.

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

The light goes by the position of the lever not buy the brake cable. If you look up under the dash at the ebrake bracket assembly there will be a single wire connected to it with a black connector. If the wire isn't connected there will be what looks like a male spade terminal sticking out on the ebrake bracket. I hope that helps. I will take a picture of mine (since the dash is apart) or the of the diagram in the service manual when I get home if you need it. :tup:

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

Check the fluid in your master cylinder. Not sure about SYTY's, but DSM's would to light the brake light when they were low.

The funny thing is now that I think of it ... my brakes felt REAL soft. I havent driven the truck in 19 months, lol ... so maybe thats how the truck is , but I may need to add fluid.

Does anyone know if that could cause this, sorta like an idiot light? ---

 

[BoostedSUV]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

There is a plug that I believe is for the "idiot" light that plugs into the master cylinder or proportioning valve (can't remember) so that could have something to do with it.

 

[blazinmt]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

Mine did this to me 2 weeks ago. I tried pulling the release and the pedal up and nothing. I then pushed the pedal down pretty good and pulled the release then it went off. :dunno:

 

[midnightbluS10]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

I wouldn't doubt that the light would come on when low on fluid. My first gen s10 would light up when low and it was an 87.

 

[TxSy1430]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

tension spring may be weak..mine does this also. once i pull up on the pedal the light goes out.

 

[sly dvl]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

I'll bet you have a brake problem, since you stated the pedal feels soft, and you haven't checked the fluid level. That light is doing exactly what it's supposed to; alerting you to a problem.

Our trucks don't have a low brake fluid level sensor in the master, rather a pressure differential switch. If pressure is low or lost in one portion of the system the switch will trip, providing a ground path for the warning light.

 

[midnightbluS10]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

You think this might be tied in to your "shaking while not in boost" issue?

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

You think this might be tied in to your "shaking while not in boost" issue?

Something could have been shaken loose, hahah ... I havent been in the truck for a week. Once I start to work on it, the whole day is shot , lol ---

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

OK, well I sat it this morning and the f'n brake pedal went to the FLOOR with the first pump ... then got stouter after a few pumps. THEN I started it and it went 75% to the floor.

Damn, time to check the brake system. I am pretty sure that BRAKE light is an idiot thing now ---

 

[graham1524]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

my truck did this and I unplugged the abs unit and it stop instanly

 

[alwayscode390]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

I have a delete kit ... I should just man up and install it.

When I first bought my truck ... the pedal would pulsate every time I tried to stop , but that went away.

THANKS for the tip ---

 

[sy#2716]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

If it was me and my truck sat that long i would be changing every fluild becasue when they sit expecially brake fuild they soak up moisture. I would rather be safe than sorry.

 

[gkrcr882]

Re: "BRAKE" light stays lit after e-brake released ---

Brake pedal pulsation is an indicator that the ABS system is operating. The BRAKE warning light is triggered by the pressure differential switch, the parking brake switch, and IIRC if the ABS fuse is removed or blown it will come on too (so will the ABS light). First I'd start with the base brakes and make sure there are no leaking lines, calipers or wheel cylinders. To have to pump the brakes to get a pedal is an indicator that there is air in the system or a faulty master cylinder, although the K.H. ABS system we have does add a wildcard.