Brake warning light staying on
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 7
From: Congupna Victoria
Brake warning light staying on
Hi Guys,
bit of an Odd one....
When I start my 1987 Corvette, the red Brake warning light stays on.....for a long time (10 minutes), then goes out.
When its on, I check the handbrake is fully disengaged several times, checked the fluid level in the brake master cylinder, but everything seems in order.
I did it once before and seemed to stay on for a shorter time...maybe 5 minutes at most.
Doesn't seem to be dependant on brake application either - just goes out by itself...
Any suggestion most welcome!
bit of an Odd one....
When I start my 1987 Corvette, the red Brake warning light stays on.....for a long time (10 minutes), then goes out.
When its on, I check the handbrake is fully disengaged several times, checked the fluid level in the brake master cylinder, but everything seems in order.
I did it once before and seemed to stay on for a shorter time...maybe 5 minutes at most.
Doesn't seem to be dependant on brake application either - just goes out by itself...
Any suggestion most welcome!
Last edited by puzzigully; Jun 24, 2018 at 11:56 PM.
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 9,372
Likes: 2,736
possible the tang that grounds the bulb in the parking brake lever is sticking. i had a similar situation in my 86 but mine would never go out.
other possibility is the sensor in the m/c bore is grounded out,
or the wires to these are grounded out. for the brake lever, the wire runds forward parralel to the drivers left leg then up the door jamb into the dash. not sure about mc wire.
other possibility is the sensor in the m/c bore is grounded out,
or the wires to these are grounded out. for the brake lever, the wire runds forward parralel to the drivers left leg then up the door jamb into the dash. not sure about mc wire.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,590
Likes: 60
From: ft myers FL/Munising MI
I actually pulled the parking brake awhile ago , first time in years, and the light now won't go off...If I wiggle and screw with the lever a little I can get it off , but it comes back after awhile......learning to live with it...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 7
From: Congupna Victoria
Theres only two ways for that light to turn on isn't there?
1. Parking brake engaged
2. Loss of fluid pressure in hydraulic circuit...
The light wont go out when started and idled for some time..so that has to eliminate 2 doesn't it?
Unless the timer has decided it needs to count slowly?? (I'm assuming there's some kind of timer that keeps it illuminated when started?)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 367
Likes: 7
From: Congupna Victoria
Unless I'm missing something (wouldn't be the first time!)
In theory (what a wonderful place that is!) that switch should not activate unless the brake pedal is depressed and there is no fluid in one circuit (front or rear) - that then (again in theory) will complete an electrical circuit that will illuminate the bulb.
Your suggestion is a good one though, as if the switch is "sticking", then removing the connector will prove it is the switch in the master cylinder causing the problem if the light goes out.
Thanks for your help!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,429
Likes: 605
From: Minneapolis Mn
Mine was due to the microswitch in the parking brake handle. A little careful bending of the lever and the problem was fixed. The lever itself could be brittle due to age so if you try this, be careful.
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