Need Help E-brake light
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 142
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From: Collierville TN
Need Help E-brake light
Under normal driving conditions my e-brake light comes on when I hit 2000 to 3500 rpm's and then cuts off when I shift but it doesn't come on all of the time. When I give it WOT it comes on almost all of the time around 2000 to shift. Also, I have noticed that every couple of days I hear a thud (like someone banging the side of their fist into the rear bumper) in the rear passenger side of the car. The only code I'm showing is the 1214 code which I know is caused by the EBCM which I'm fixing this weekend.
Would the EBCM cause something like this?
When the e-brake light comes on my car feels like something is tugging at it (like the e-brake is engaged) although my e-brake is loose. I need some help soon, I'm installing a Vararam intake, the new EBCM, and pulling the wheels off this weekend so it would be nice to pinpoint this problem as well. I'm an average at best mechanic but a competent person so if you guys think this is a problem that the $tealership should take care of just let me know. Thanks
Would the EBCM cause something like this?
When the e-brake light comes on my car feels like something is tugging at it (like the e-brake is engaged) although my e-brake is loose. I need some help soon, I'm installing a Vararam intake, the new EBCM, and pulling the wheels off this weekend so it would be nice to pinpoint this problem as well. I'm an average at best mechanic but a competent person so if you guys think this is a problem that the $tealership should take care of just let me know. Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
The e brake microswitch is under the console attached to the e brake handle. I think its a tan/white wire
You could pull the console out and take a look at the switch to see if its loose in its mounting. Its a straight mechanical linkage. Pull handle - trip switch - applies voltage - brings on light on dash. Its separate to the actual operation of the e brake mechanicals. Its just an indicator
It could be moving and sending a false voltage under WOT?
Others may chime in
You could pull the console out and take a look at the switch to see if its loose in its mounting. Its a straight mechanical linkage. Pull handle - trip switch - applies voltage - brings on light on dash. Its separate to the actual operation of the e brake mechanicals. Its just an indicator
It could be moving and sending a false voltage under WOT?
Others may chime in
Last edited by DeeGee; Oct 17, 2007 at 11:47 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: San Rafael CA
When you talk about the e-brake light, I believe you are referring to the BRAKE (red) warning light. That light will illuminate whenever the vehicle senses a problem with the hydraulic brake system. For instance, your brake fluid in the reservoir may be low enough that under acceleration the car is sensing a low brake fluid condition.
If the ONLY code you're showing is the C1214 ... I'd check the brake fluid reservoir.
If the ONLY code you're showing is the C1214 ... I'd check the brake fluid reservoir.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When you talk about the e-brake light, I believe you are referring to the BRAKE (red) warning light. That light will illuminate whenever the vehicle senses a problem with the hydraulic brake system. For instance, your brake fluid in the reservoir may be low enough that under acceleration the car is sensing a low brake fluid condition.
If the ONLY code you're showing is the C1214 ... I'd check the brake fluid reservoir.
If the ONLY code you're showing is the C1214 ... I'd check the brake fluid reservoir.
. That really is the most obvious problem seeing as its a dual role warning light
Last edited by DeeGee; Oct 17, 2007 at 11:52 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When you talk about the e-brake light, I believe you are referring to the BRAKE (red) warning light. That light will illuminate whenever the vehicle senses a problem with the hydraulic brake system. For instance, your brake fluid in the reservoir may be low enough that under acceleration the car is sensing a low brake fluid condition.
If the ONLY code you're showing is the C1214 ... I'd check the brake fluid reservoir.
If the ONLY code you're showing is the C1214 ... I'd check the brake fluid reservoir.
Any connection or just coincidence?
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
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From: San Rafael CA
jolitaly - is there some other action you are taking with the car when you hear the thump ... such as performing a high speed left turn, or going overr a bump, or does it randomly occur while driving straight on a flat road ???? I'd look for loose/worn suspension components. Check the sway bar mounts, etc.
DeeGee - it's not that I'm smart .... just had enough "problems" with cars to have "been there, done that" ....
Helps to have had, over the years, a "bug-eye" Sprite, a couple of Jags, a Jensen-Healey, a Fiat X1/9 and a 124 coupe ....you definately learn to fix problems with cars like that ....
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 142
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From: Collierville TN
My GUESS is it is unrelated to the brake system issues. The only brake components in the passenger rear on a Z06 is the rear brake caliper/rotor combination. If the thump was consistent with brake application then I'd look at the brakes (loose caliper mount pins for example) but if it is "every couple of days" doesn't sound like brakes.
jolitaly - is there some other action you are taking with the car when you hear the thump ... such as performing a high speed left turn, or going overr a bump, or does it randomly occur while driving straight on a flat road ???? I'd look for loose/worn suspension components. Check the sway bar mounts, etc.
DeeGee - it's not that I'm smart .... just had enough "problems" with cars to have "been there, done that" ....
Helps to have had, over the years, a "bug-eye" Sprite, a couple of Jags, a Jensen-Healey, a Fiat X1/9 and a 124 coupe ....you definately learn to fix problems with cars like that ....
jolitaly - is there some other action you are taking with the car when you hear the thump ... such as performing a high speed left turn, or going overr a bump, or does it randomly occur while driving straight on a flat road ???? I'd look for loose/worn suspension components. Check the sway bar mounts, etc.
DeeGee - it's not that I'm smart .... just had enough "problems" with cars to have "been there, done that" ....
Helps to have had, over the years, a "bug-eye" Sprite, a couple of Jags, a Jensen-Healey, a Fiat X1/9 and a 124 coupe ....you definately learn to fix problems with cars like that ....
I will check the brake fluid first and if that doesn't fix the problem then I will pull the console and check the connection. Any others ideas appreciated, I will keep you posted. Thanks
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It occurs when I drive straight. I was thinking that it might of involved the e-brake locking up and then braking loose but I don't even know if that's possible.
I will check the brake fluid first and if that doesn't fix the problem then I will pull the console and check the connection. Any others ideas appreciated, I will keep you posted. Thanks
I will check the brake fluid first and if that doesn't fix the problem then I will pull the console and check the connection. Any others ideas appreciated, I will keep you posted. Thanks