emergency brake light comes on and off

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emergency brake light comes on and off

January 16, 2009, 10:11:12 PM

thought i was seeing things last night but now im sure.

for some reason every now and then my Emergency brake light lights up and then goes away. i've noticed it twice tonight when i would floor it and let off completely
(i'd get some speed then let off) then every now and then the light comes on and then goes away.

I know for a fact the E-brake isnt on and have pulled the release before driving off.

my E-brake release does have a little bit of play in it but i dunno what could be causing this or if this is natural.

anyone have ideas or the same problem?

emergency brake light comes on and off

Reply #1 – January 16, 2009, 11:31:52 PM

Try pushing the brake pedal (emergency rake) by hand gently while the car is running and see if the light comes on.

emergency brake light comes on and off

Reply #2 – January 16, 2009, 11:35:41 PM

Try lifting up the e brake pedal with your foot to make sure it is fully in up position. Occasionally they pop up but not quite fully.

Flooring it and letting off could also cause a fluid "slosh" in the master cylinder which could be tripping the light if the fluid level is at the low end off full. You may wan to see if the fluid is full.

emergency brake light comes on and off

Reply #3 – January 16, 2009, 11:48:48 PM

would there be an easy way to tighten up the release so there isnt much play in it.

also if the listed solutions dont help is it really any big issue if the light comes and goes?
any real danger?

so check brake fluid and all well, should check it all in general.

but i do know oil is fine and coolant should be.

brake light switch

Reply #4 – January 17, 2009, 07:42:59 AM

if brakes and fluid are good-then it is the brake light switch.. you could find it on ebay, new for about $10.in my 86 cougar it is located under the driver side dash, near the fuse box.

emergency brake light comes on and off

Reply #5 – January 17, 2009, 07:56:28 AM

The brake light switch lights the brake lights, not the dash warning light.

There are generally only three things that can cause the warning light to come on:

Low fluid. Easy to check. If the fluid is low, do NOT simply add fluid. Brake fluid does not evapourate, it has to go somewhere. First, check the condition of the front brake pads. If they're excessively worn the pistons come out of their bores quite far and the fluid takes up that space. Replace the pads before topping up the fluid, otherwise it will overflow when you do replace the pads. If the front pads are OK, pull the rear drums and look around. Worn shoes will cause a low fluid level, but what you're really looking for is leaking wheel cylinders.

Loss of brake pressure. You'd know it if it happened (pedal would go to the floor). If this is the case you've got a big leak. Find and fix it (likely a broken or rusted brake line).

Park brake not fully releasing, or there's slop in the mechanism. This is the most likely. Next time the light comes on, reach down and pull the park brake pedal up by hand. If the light goes out you've found your problem.

There are other, far less likely causes (a short in the wiring to your dash, a faulty brake fluid level sensor, a faulty pressure switch), but I'd check the mechanical issues listed above first.

emergency brake light comes on and off

Reply #6 – January 17, 2009, 09:31:46 AM

well when I forst got the car I replaced the break cylinders and shoes in the back but never checked the pads in front.

also. on the front left axle there is a little residue there isnt much if any thickness to it but its a like brown color. I was thinking it may be grease buildup or maybe a small dripping leak. but a family friend said that since the cars age. it may be that the bearings need to be greased.