E Brake Light Help

[95CarbonEclipse]

So I recently finished replacing all my brake pads, adding SS brake lines, changed to slotted rotors, along with rebuilding my front calipers. Ever since then, my brake light stays on even when the e-brake is released. I drove it like this for about 2 days. I read that it could be the brake fluid, so yesterday i cracked open the reservoir and found it to be just as full as when i finished the brake job. I thought, "hell, it must not be all the way full" so i topped her off to the point that when i put the cap back on the reservoir it was overflowing.

The brake light is still on.

Is there any kind of sensor back in the e-brake mechanism that could be causing this? If not, what else might it be (besides the actual ebrake lever relay)??

 

[TheMadCheshire]

Most likely it is a bad switch in the reservoir. However, the brake light will come on if the alternator is not working properly. Another member suggested that the rubber cap is not seating correctly and just needs to be adjusted.
Here is a link to a similar problem to yours.
I looked in my manual and cannot find a way to test the fluid level switch(thats what I get for having a Haynes Manual not the FSM) but it should be a simple unplug and check. The switch should close when the fluid level is low, thus you get a brake light.
If it is something to do with the alt, chances are the battery light will soon come on. Take out your DVOM and start check voltages to see if that is it.
Another possibility is that the ebrake is not adjusted properly or the ebrake switch is adjusted wrong or damaged.
My guess is a bad fluid level switch. While I haven't heard of them failing often in DSMs(although its not something I research often), I've known several cars to have failed level switches.

Goodluck

 

[95CarbonEclipse]

Thanks, I'll check all that was mentioned. Who knew a simple brake light could possibly be so many different problems.

 

[Defiant]

There is no relay on the brake warning lamp. Check that the shitmetal bracket that holds the ebrake switch isn't bent. Also check for binding on the reservoir float, and that the rubber air membrane in the master cylinder isn't wrinkled down into blocking the float.

 

[spooln4fun]

Check that the shitmetal bracket that holds the ebrake switch isn't bent.

Also check to see that nothing is grounding out against it as well.


Would just taking off the brake resevoir cap off and starting the car help determine if the problem was in the lid its self?

 

[95CarbonEclipse]

Would just taking off the brake resevoir cap off and starting the car help determine if the problem was in the lid its self?

That's a really good question. If it does, then I'll try that first before going through the laborous task of removing 6 screws and tearing into my center console.

 

[GSXWhite]

i have the same problem right now. but if i don't raise the handbrake it doesn't turn on. and sometimes it turns on after i drive around a little. when im at a complete stop the light flashes so idk what to do.

 

[Jeff99GS]

That light isn't just for the E-Brake. It will come on for any Brake issues like low fluid or if your rubber membrane is fully extracted. That will stopping the float from rising to the top of the resevoir like defiant said. If the rubber on the cap is sticking out you should push it back in place till it is flush with the Resevoir cap.
Also You need to Pop the cup holder/ashtray up and check the little micro switch attached to the E-brake lever.