1997 Cutlass brake light indicator always on

[Stuck in TN]

I just bought a 1997 Cutlass of which the brake light indicator is always on. The dealer told me there is nothing to worry about; that it's probably only a sensor. What can make the indicator light to stay on and should I worry about it?

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

The brake warning light serves at least 3 purposes. 1) Inform you of a hydraulic related problem with the braking system; 2) Indicate low level brake fluid at the master cylinder reservoir; and 3) When the emergency brake is engaged.

Any problem with the brakes should be checked into as soon as possible. To start check the master cylinder fluid level and check emergency brake operation. The emergency brake has a switch that may go bad.

Also, if you have ABS braking is the ABS light on or off?

[Mrbizness1]

Originally Posted by Stuck in TN

The dealer told me there is nothing to worry about; that it's probably only a sensor.

Ask the dealer if he lets any of his family members drive with their brake light on.

[Stuck in TN]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Welcome to AF.

The brake warning light serves at least 3 purposes. 1) Inform you of a hydraulic related problem with the braking system; 2) Indicate low level brake fluid at the master cylinder reservoir; and 3) When the emergency brake is engaged.

Any problem with the brakes should be checked into as soon as possible. To start check the master cylinder fluid level and check emergency brake operation. The emergency brake has a switch that may go bad.

This is my son's car and I had him take it the a brake shop today. They did find that the rear cylinders were leaking and needed to be replaced. They also put on new shoes on the back drums. This seems to have taken care of the brake light indicator from staying on.

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Also, if you have ABS braking is the ABS light on or off?

Oddly enough, yes the ABS light still stays on. What can be done to correct this from this point? Thank you for your help!

[Stuck in TN]

Originally Posted by Mrbizness1

Ask the dealer if he lets any of his family members drive with their brake light on.

With so many dealers out there I'm sure that there are some who would gladly hand over the keys to their own mother! Whatever happened to taking pride in one's work and dealing honestly with one another? It seems that now the name of the game is just to make a buck at any cost. Sad...