Parking Brake

[dhaywood77]

I just bought a 2001 Yukon XL from a GMC dealership in town. My only problem with the vehicle is the parking brake. When I took it home the first day I tried to use the parking brake and the pedal went straight to the floor. There was absolutely no tension in it and the brake light on the dash started flashing. I sent the vehicle back to the dealership to get it fixed. They returned it to me and said it was fixed but it wasn't. So I sent it back again. Now the parking brake is much tighter and actually holds the vehicle but the brake light still flashes on and off rapidly when I engage the parking light. The dealership is trying to tell me this is normal but I don't believe them and I'm having trouble finding anyone with a similar rig to compare. Do I need to stay on them or is this acceptable?

[east302]

As you suspect, it's 100% not acceptable.

I used to have a 2000 (new-style) Tahoe and the parking brake would always act as you described...straight to the floor but I never had the brake light come on. With rear brake adjustment, it does restore tension as you noted but will wear out in a short time. It's really not worth much.

My 2003 Tahoe is a bit better so I believe they've addressed the issue.

But as for the brake light, it's crazy for them to say it's normal. Wouldn't there be a trouble code stored? By chance, is there a used-car warranty here?

[dhaywood77]

No there isn't a warranty but this is the second vehicle I've bought from this dealership in 3 months. It also is a very reputable dealership here in Memphis and I bet if I make a big enough stink they sill fix it correctly. Thanks for your help.

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by dhaywood77

I just bought a 2001 Yukon XL from a GMC dealership in town. My only problem with the vehicle is the parking brake. When I took it home the first day I tried to use the parking brake and the pedal went straight to the floor. There was absolutely no tension in it and the brake light on the dash started flashing. I sent the vehicle back to the dealership to get it fixed. They returned it to me and said it was fixed but it wasn't. So I sent it back again. Now the parking brake is much tighter and actually holds the vehicle but the brake light still flashes on and off rapidly when I engage the parking light. The dealership is trying to tell me this is normal but I don't believe them and I'm having trouble finding anyone with a similar rig to compare. Do I need to stay on them or is this acceptable?

Stupid stealership doesn't know what they are talking about.........or maybe you should read your owners manual

Here you go.
With the ignition on, the brake system warning light will flash when you set the parking brake. The light will flash if the parking brake does not release fully. If you try to drive with the parking brake engaged, a chime will sound when the vehicle speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).

Your vehicle's hydraulic brake system is divided into two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can still work and stop you. For good braking, though, you need both parts working well.

If the warning light comes on and a chime sounds there could be a brake problem. Have your brake system inspected right away

[handy1219]

Had a problem recently with the parking lights on my 1995 Yukon and never knew that ...
One guy on the road almost hit me from behind and then told me : "Hey body, you have no brake lights" I have checked myself and figured out that it is corect. Please note that there is a braking light switch located under your dash board in very uncomfortable position - above thr brake pedal it is usually made out of the light tan or white plastic and being connected with the wires to the electrical chain going to the parking brake lights .. Again it is not comfortable to remove it, however if you will do that, you can easily buy the replacement in any auto store like "Pep Boys" and be happy after that.!
Good luck.