On my 88 base model pickup, my emergency brake handle will not stay down to turn off the emergency brake light on the dash. It will stay one click up. Any ideas what I need to do to get it to stay all the way down?

 

If it's disengaged and not hung up just unplug it or at least that's what i did 6 years ago. Just don't drive off with the parking brake on.

 

take a look at the back drum brakes to make sure its not sticking there. Mine does this from time to time and I have to wack it with a stick.

 

Could also be your brake master cylinder is low. Check your fluid.

 

^^ Word. That light serves more than one purpose.

 

Indeed! The MC has a sensor in it that will light up the E-brake light to let you know if it's low on fluid.

Check that first and get back to us.

 

ihave checked the master cylinder and it is full of fluid. I can twist and push the e brake handle down the one notch and the light will go off and stay off until the e brake handle moves up one notch. I will have to take the drums off and look at the rear brakes. I was wondering if there is a return spring that may be getting weak or is there a place that is a little dirty or gummy that maybe i should put some spray lube on.

 

try working the e brake handle real good pullin it out with a lil more force than usual then releasing it a few times....
mabye that will generate a tiny bit more of play in the cable