My handbrake light warning light stays on

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mrmora
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Posts: 48
Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2012 7:45 pm
My tercel:: 1987 Toyota Tercel Wagon DX
Location: Wenatchee,WA

My handbrake light warning light stays on

Post by mrmora »

After I start my car and let it warm up for a bit, I release the handbrake and start to drive, but the handbrake warning light stays on for a while and then shuts off. Is this light a multifunctional light, meaning that it also comes on to let me know that the brakes, or fluid level is low? Could this just be a faulty handbrake warning switch?
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ARCHINSTL
Goldie Forever
Posts: 6369
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:52 pm
My tercel:: Goldie is a 1986 SR5 attualmente con Weber/also owned the first T4WD in STL in late '82
Location: Kirkwood, a 'burb of St. Louis

Re: My handbrake light warning light stays on

Post by ARCHINSTL »

Check your brake fluid - NOW!
I don't think anyone has mentioned a faulty brake lever switch.
Tom M.
T4WD augury?
"Oh, do not ask, 'What is it?' Let us go and make our visit."
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marlinh
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Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2012 9:15 am
My tercel:: 'Everett' Blue 87 4WD Wagon (Rocky 86, recently retired)
Location: Kootenays

Re: My handbrake light warning light stays on

Post by marlinh »

Agreed, it is probably a low fluid situation.
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dlb
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Posts: 7447
Joined: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:03 pm
My tercel:: '87 sr5, '83 dlx parts car
Location: bc, canada

Re: My handbrake light warning light stays on

Post by dlb »

don't drive it until you confirm the brake fluid level is good. if it's low, you need to find where you're leaking brake fluid and fix it asap. you don't want to be driving if you can't stop. my guess is it's probably the rear wheel cylinders but check all the steel lines, rubber hoses, master cylinder, etc--everything.
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