I turn the brake off but its light still stays on...

[OrToy]

Okay, Question:

I've got a '95 Toyota pickup w/the 22re engine in it and I've got a few problems. The biggest one right now is that the emergency brake light stays on after I turn it off and it comes on sporatically while I'm driving. I can't figure out what is wrong with it on my own, so, does anyone else have that problem? Do you know how to fix it?

Next, I have a wierd squeaking noise coming out from under the hood. I changed all of the fan belts but it still won't go away. I know that there's a lot of stuff down there but what else could it be?

Lastly, my hood rattles and I can't figure out how to get it snug. I know that the hinges need to be tightened but I can't get to them. How do I do it?

Thanks to anyone who helps out...

Sean

[KimMG]

Check the brake fluid level.

[OrToy]

Thanks, I thought that it was something mechanical

[fourwd1]

If it's not the fluid level, it the switch on the parking brake may be sticking.

[OrToy]

Originally Posted by fourwd1

If it's not the fluid level, it the switch on the parking brake may be sticking.

I checked the brake fluid level and it is fine, but the light still is problematic. Where is the switch on the parking brake?

[KimMG]

How many miles are on your brakes?

[OrToy]

Originally Posted by KimMG

How many miles are on your brakes?

I don't know exactly, but I know that I need to change them soon. I didn't know that could contribute to the parking brake light.

[fourwd1]

As the pads wear it takes more fluid to move the caliper, so fluid level goes down in the MC resevoir, triggering the light.

There is a switch under the dash, hooked to the rod that is turned when you apply the parking brake.

[OrToy]

Is there anything I should know before fiddling with it? What should I do first, replace the brakes, or flip the switch?

[fourwd1]

Originally Posted by OrToy

Is there anything I should know before fiddling with it? What should I do first, replace the brakes, or flip the switch?

First locate the switch on the parking brake rod assembly.
Then release the p brake. If the dash light is still on, fiddle with the switch to see if you can make it go out.

If the MC fluid level is OK, it could be the float switch in the cap is flakey, but that's unusual. You could fidle with the float switch to see if you can make the light go out.

[OrToy]

I wish I knew more about this, it's my first truck.

when replacing the brakes do you have to take the truck to an alignment shop, or can you do it yourself?

[KimMG]

Buy a repair manual or go to your local library and see if they have one. Read about how to replace your brake shoes and pads. Become familiar with all the parts pictured. Then decide if you are up to the job. The braking system is the most important safety system on your vehicle. If it fails, you could kill or maim someone or yourself.
As a student you may be able log on to the school library through your school's home page. Some schools and libraries subscribe to online databases that have vehicle repair manuals.

[OrToy]

Thanks, I got that much.

The brakes were the problem, they were pretty much down to the nubs.

Does anyone else know about any of the other problems previously posted?

[OrToy]

Originally Posted by KimMG

Buy a repair manual or go to your local library and see if they have one. Read about how to replace your brake shoes and pads. Become familiar with all the parts pictured. Then decide if you are up to the job. The braking system is the most important safety system on your vehicle. If it fails, you could kill or maim someone or yourself.
As a student you may be able log on to the school library through your school's home page. Some schools and libraries subscribe to online databases that have vehicle repair manuals.

Don't worry I'm taking it to a shop. I just needed to know what the problem was. I can do the brakes and pads but I need to get the rotor tuned up. They aren't scored, they just need to be set.

[OrToy]

Does anyone know how to fix the hood problem. I can't figure out how to get to the hinges. There's a rubber seal where the hood hinge arms go into the firewall, but no udjustment bolts or screws.