Hey guys, over the past few days I have noticed an issue with my emergency brake switch not being pressurized to where the light will go off.

My brakes are fine, the cable works as it should, but randomly I will have to apply and re-apply the parking brake, and usually push to the right and back to affect the brake switch, otherwise the light stays on and the car screams at me until I fix it.

It really only happens when it's cold.

The question is, how do I get to it, and what is the probable fix.

 

Check brake fluid level.

 

Checked the fluid, it's dirty, but not low, and I wouldn't think that the brake fluid would be an issue on a cable system.

Going to take the center console apart to check the switch, only real other option.

 

It ended up being something insanely stupid that I wouldn't have found if I hadn't taken the center console apart.


This is what was going on. The depression portion of the lever itself was bent and was not making contact with the switch at all. Took vice grips and lovingly bent it back so that it would fit.

 

You learn something new every day. From the owner's manual:
If the brake system indicator comes on while driving, the brake fluid level
is probably low.

Glad you found the problem.

 

Another thing to add to the book of things that can go stupidly wrong. At least the fix was cheap! Great that you posted pics too.

 

No kidding! And the fix was almost free, all it took was a few minutes!

Just popped the trim, unscrewed maybe 10 screws, moved the console back 4 inches, and vice gripped away!

And I have learned to document my travels regarding auto repair, for my own or other's future use.

 

good find