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What causes the "brake" light to stay on?

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Old 02-20-2006, 01:32 PM
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Question What causes the "brake" light to stay on?

I know it comes on when you pull the parking brake. And it comes on when the fluid gets low. But mine stays on and neither of those are the problem. What else makes it come on?
Old 02-20-2006, 01:43 PM
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failure of the parking brake switch itself?

have you tried pushing the handle in hard or wigglin it around?
Old 02-20-2006, 01:44 PM
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https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ht=brake+stays
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Old 02-20-2006, 03:23 PM
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Likely the fluid sensor in the reservoir is sinking cuz it's worn out. Disconnect the wires from the cap and see if it stops.

Mike in AR

I chased that one for a long time.
Old 02-24-2006, 06:12 AM
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Originally Posted by regularguy412
Likely the fluid sensor in the reservoir is sinking cuz it's worn out. Disconnect the wires from the cap and see if it stops.

Mike in AR

I chased that one for a long time.
Or just buy a new one. Check your fluid level in the brake fluid Resevoir and make sure that the park brake is all the way in. Just cutting the wire off of something that could save your life sounds like a real bad idea.
Old 02-24-2006, 07:54 AM
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I just brought one of those caps. They are between $90.00 and $100.00 depending on the dealer. Part number 84460-35050, Switch assy.
Might be able to find a used one, however it is an electrical part. Hope this helps.
Old 02-24-2006, 07:55 AM
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My brake light comes on occassionally...I traced it to the switch behind the parking brake handle. If I jiggle the brake handle the light usually goes out. The switch is not being fully depressed probably due to a weakened spring on the brake cable. There is a spring on the cable near the rear axle. There may be a way to tighten up the slack in the cable which probably would help too.
Old 02-24-2006, 09:40 AM
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adjust the rear brakes first then adjust the slack in the cable. lubrication helps too
Old 02-24-2006, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by surf4runner


adjust the rear brakes first then adjust the slack in the cable. lubrication helps too
...and even if that doesn't work, wiggle the handle and push it hard when you release the brake. My roommate's Tacoma did this.
Old 02-24-2006, 10:09 AM
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I had the same problem. My mechanic told/showed me that I needed new rotors and pads. $187.00 later the problem went away.

Mako
Old 02-24-2006, 11:42 AM
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I changed out the park brake light switch and it didnt cure the problem, although, it could well be just that. There's no wire cutting involved with the fluid reservoir gauge. The cap that holds the donut has a plug on the end. Just a matter of unplugging it to TEST it and see if it is, in fact, the culprit. If that's the case, then one can choose to replace the cap / gauge.

I've noticed no decrease in any braking effectivness with the float (gauge) unplugged.

Mike in AR
Old 02-24-2006, 06:30 PM
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Mine did that because of a frozen/locked up caliper.
Old 02-24-2006, 08:36 PM
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sometimes unpluging the master cylinder cap for a temp fix works
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