Jim P.

Can the switch be bad?
Recently the parking brake light in the dash wont go off.
I manually operated the switch under the brake handle but no luck. The brake handle pushes it all the way in when down.
I wanted to ask around before I spend 25 bucks for a new switch???

JP

:confused:

Enkil

That light is also an indicator that something is wrong with the regular brakes in the car.

GTR1999

How are your brakes? If you loose fluid/pressure in one of the circuits there is a piston that moves to light the dash brake light as a warning. If you have a low pedal or leaking brake fluid you need a brake job. It could be something with the parking brake handle switch but most likely not.
Gary

moosie982

Hi, The light on the dashboard of my ' 80 came on at the same time the brake caliper on the right rear developed a leak, the leak was caused by bad spindle bearings,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,wish it was just the switch!!!!!!!!!!!!! :yesnod: So, anyway, you oughta check out your entire brake system before you blame the switch. :seeya Peace,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Bye, Craig

72GACRZR

Start by checking your brake fluid level in the master cylinder.

LAvetteman

If I am not mistaken, you can unplug one of the wires on the parking brake switch to check it, if the light is still on then the switch is good and as others mention a problem has been detected in the main brake system. Normally you get a noticable amount of further brake pedal travel when this occurs.

My69

I agree with the others, check the fluid and check the system :iagree:

Jim P.

THanks guys...I'll check it out. :thumbs:

72GACRZR

You can disconect the wire at the pressure switch(commonly called the proportioning valve ) to see if it is the problem. If so, it is either the pressure switch is stuck to one side or the switch is bad(not likely). You can do a search on past threads on how to bleed the brakes to recenter the pressure switch.

AGVI

had the same thing happen to my car...your brakes are probably gong to fail soon....we've all been there at one point or another...good luck!!! :D