Parking brake affects alternator!?
07-25-2018, 03:39 PM
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Parking brake affects alternator!?
Hi there,
I have a '90 pickup 4x4 with a 22re and these days it have a strange problem. When I start the truck, the alternator needle in the dash is almost at the center of the counter, something like 13V, probably less. It's not charging. When I pull and push the parking brake handle 2 or 3 times and push it forward strongly in it's place, the alternator is beginning to charge. Is there some sensor on the handle or the line of parking brake? BTW, the brake light is always off... or if not very weak before pulling the handle. I thought maybe it could be a ECU problem. I have one spare anyway but didn't make a test yet with it. Maybe the rear brakes nedded to be changed too... I'll do that soon. It's so strange... help I need some clues! ;-))
I can post a video if required or just for fun.
Thanks a lot
I have a '90 pickup 4x4 with a 22re and these days it have a strange problem. When I start the truck, the alternator needle in the dash is almost at the center of the counter, something like 13V, probably less. It's not charging. When I pull and push the parking brake handle 2 or 3 times and push it forward strongly in it's place, the alternator is beginning to charge. Is there some sensor on the handle or the line of parking brake? BTW, the brake light is always off... or if not very weak before pulling the handle. I thought maybe it could be a ECU problem. I have one spare anyway but didn't make a test yet with it. Maybe the rear brakes nedded to be changed too... I'll do that soon. It's so strange... help I need some clues! ;-))
I can post a video if required or just for fun.
Thanks a lot
Last edited by Franck1970; 07-26-2018 at 07:26 AM.
07-25-2018, 06:18 PM
#2
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Think the way to confirm if the alternator is not charging is to test at the alternator and see if something like a multimeter or other device shows less than 14v. As far as what is shown on the instr panel, the wiring there could be shorted to another circuit like in this case, the parking brake circuit. To check, be good to reference wiring diagrams and their locations...good luck.
07-25-2018, 07:36 PM
#3
The alternator charge light is built into the parking brake dash light. By design, it should stay on if there is a problem with your charging system. For example, if you release the parking brake and turn the ignition on without starting the truck, the parking/charge light should stay on because the alternator is not charging. Now start the truck(hold the brake pedal to be safe). If the alternator is charging and the parking brake released, the light will go off. It can also be difficult to get the parking brake light to stay off if it doesn’t hit the stop correctly to trip the switch. It sounds like you may have an alternator or battery issue.
07-26-2018, 12:35 PM
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Hi,
I made a mistake in my original post about the brake light.
When I start the truck whithout touching the parking brake handle, the brake light is on but it's very weak: during the day it's not easy to see. after doing the trick, it closes.
I'll post a video very soon...
Thanks
I made a mistake in my original post about the brake light.
When I start the truck whithout touching the parking brake handle, the brake light is on but it's very weak: during the day it's not easy to see. after doing the trick, it closes.
I'll post a video very soon...
Thanks
07-27-2018, 11:29 PM
#6
"Trick" What trick?
07-30-2018, 06:44 AM
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I mean, it's something like a little magic trick, or should I say a twist, by moving the parking brake handle back and forth.
I don't know english very well and sometimes it's not easy for me to explain. Sorry for that.
I don't know english very well and sometimes it's not easy for me to explain. Sorry for that.
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07-30-2018, 09:08 AM
#8
So something is wrong.
i suggets u rhoroughly inspect the parking brake switch if clean, has good connections, and mounted and adjusted properly.
CHrage issue will turn on both charge error and brake lights, but brake issue will only turn on brake error light.
THEN, I repeat:
Get a multi-meter and Do checks listed on this post. and let us know how yours varies from what I describe.
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