92 PA Parking Brake Indicator on dash
ellev8or
10-18-2011, 09:28 AM
92 PA with 116000 miles. I've just discovered that the 'Parking Brake' indicator on the dash console is 'red' and constantly on while I'm driving. When I initially start the car it starts beeping but stops after I'm in motion. I've tested the parking brake pedal and the lever to release the parking brake, and everything seems fine. I've checked the master cylinder and the fluid appeared to be at half. The electrical wiring was intact. I followed the assembly from the master cylinder down to the mechanism where all the brake lines are connected and noticed no damage and no leaks. Other than that, should I be looking at something else? Is this something simple that I can repair myself? Thanks in advance.
Tech II
10-18-2011, 11:29 AM
That light will come on if either of those switches grounds the cluster...
So, start the vehicle...let's start with the M/C reservoir.....there usually is a seam in the reservoir....fluid should just be above that seam(you said the fluid level was halfway down?)....if below it, add brake fluid(now check light).....if light is still on, and if level is ok, disconnect the harness to the level switch in the reservoir....does the light go out?
If no, leave disconnected....now look where the ebrake is(may have to remove the hush panel under there, not sure)....near the top of the ratcheting mechanism, is a switch with a one wire harness...remove that harness....does the light go out?
If both are disconnected, and the light is still on, would need a schematic to see if there might be a 3rd ground going to a module, that may be grounding the circuit......or it could even be a short to ground in the circuit....
Don't forget to reconnect your harnesses...
So, start the vehicle...let's start with the M/C reservoir.....there usually is a seam in the reservoir....fluid should just be above that seam(you said the fluid level was halfway down?)....if below it, add brake fluid(now check light).....if light is still on, and if level is ok, disconnect the harness to the level switch in the reservoir....does the light go out?
If no, leave disconnected....now look where the ebrake is(may have to remove the hush panel under there, not sure)....near the top of the ratcheting mechanism, is a switch with a one wire harness...remove that harness....does the light go out?
If both are disconnected, and the light is still on, would need a schematic to see if there might be a 3rd ground going to a module, that may be grounding the circuit......or it could even be a short to ground in the circuit....
Don't forget to reconnect your harnesses...
ellev8or
10-25-2011, 12:11 AM
Thanks. It was low on brake fluid. After filling it the parking brake indicator shut off.
ellev8or
12-15-2011, 11:52 AM
Ok, I've filled the reservoir with fluid and it's back down to half again. I'm sure there's a leak. Can someone please help me pinpoint where to check for the leak?
Also, can this leak be from the engine requiring new mounts?
Thanks
Also, can this leak be from the engine requiring new mounts?
Thanks
Tech II
12-15-2011, 03:56 PM
I doubt it, since the brake lines are not attached to the engine....
First place to look, behind the Master Cylinder,,,,,,see if it leaking downward on the brake booster.....
This year vehicle could have rusted brake lines(may need to put on a lift) or a rear wheel cylinder leaking(have to remove the drums)......
First place to look, behind the Master Cylinder,,,,,,see if it leaking downward on the brake booster.....
This year vehicle could have rusted brake lines(may need to put on a lift) or a rear wheel cylinder leaking(have to remove the drums)......
big white bufflo
12-15-2011, 05:28 PM
start by looking at the rear backing plate for the brakes look for wetness at the bottom of drum then look along the driver side rocker thats were the rear line run another thing to look at is if you see no leaks pull the vacume line off the power brake booster if it wet in there its that look under the mc were it bolts to the booster if its wet bad mc hope this is some help
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