Parking brake dash light problem

HomeSkool · Post by **HomeSkool** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:32 pm

Before I dive into the problem I wanted to ask if anyone else
has had a problem with the RED E-brake light on the dash.
It is now stuck on all the time. In the past it would go off after
a few bumps down the road but not anymore.

I'm assumeing the sensor connected to the e-brake handle is
jammed or something. But none the less I thought I'd ask you
guys incase you have run into the problem before.

One more question,
The dash light that lights up my heat/cooling fan controls every so
often but rarely goes out. It manages to come back on so I know
the light bulb is'nt burnt out? But some connection somewhere
must be going. I've never taken apart my dash before so I'm not
too sure what to expect on that problem.

I'd be happy to hear any ideas!
Thanks much
Tom

Post by **ARCHINSTL** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:56 pm

Don't take this the wrong way - but did you check the brake fluid level in the MC? The light is also activated when the fluid is low.
The E-brake switch is easy to get to; just remove the rear console surrounding it and there it is.

Off the subject, but did you ever note how many hits your first posting of the Tercel received? Over 1450, which I believe is a new record - by far.
Tom M.

Gasoline Fumes · Post by **Gasoline Fumes** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 12:42 am

ARCHINSTL wrote:Don't take this the wrong way - but did you check the brake fluid level in the MC? The light is also activated when the fluid is low.

Yeah, it might be time for new pads and/or shoes. Either that or it's a brake fluid leak.

Mac · Post by **Mac** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 1:34 am

one of my rear wheel cylinders started leaking, so i replaced them both.

you should always replace them in pairs, because if one is leaking, the other isn't far behind.

takza · Post by **takza** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:36 am

Strangely enough...the brake light is connected somehow to the charging system...so that when you have charging problems...the brake light can come on.

Think there is a switch near the handbrake lever...check it?

Aussie_3ASCV · Post by **Aussie_3ASCV** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 7:51 am

nah guys hes refering to e-brake...Parking brake light. my Aussie terc has a light that comes on when you pull the handbrake. check the switch in there. maybe a bit of wd40 or lithium spray will loosen it up.

Post by **ARCHINSTL** » Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:16 am

Well - my '86's light went on and I thought the E-brake was stuck, so I checked under the car and the cables were loose. I then checked the MC and it was quite low; upon filling it, the light went off (maybe Antipodean Tercels do not have a low fluid switch in the MC?).
When I got home, I checked further and the cause of the leak was two leaky rear cylinders and one stuck front which, I guess, increased the pressure throughout. So it was a whole new brake system, save the MC and steel lines.

As takza mentioned, the light is apparently tied into the charging system. It seems that there is a lengthy thread way back about a member having this problem and how it was resolved (if it ain't a fluid or switch problem).
Tom M.