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Dash board "BRAKE" light - always on by MichRT
Started on: 03-24-2012 05:26 PM
Replies: 14
Last post by: Australian on 03-27-2012 03:14 AM
MichRT
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Report this Post03-24-2012 05:26 PM Click Here to See the Profile for MichRTSend a Private Message to MichRTDirect Link to This Post
The red "BRAKE" light in my '85 SE dashboard is always on (so long as the car is, of course). If i remember correctly, this usually refers to the parking brake? And is only consistently on if it's engaged? But, It's not engaged. What should I do now? What troubleshooting procedures should I follow?
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Raydar
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Report this Post03-24-2012 05:32 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarDirect Link to This Post
It's also used to indicate a fault in the braking system. The master cylinder has a front and a rear "circuit". If one circuit fails, there is a switch that will slide off center and turn the light on.

You can probably eliminate the master cylinder by unplugging the connector from the MC and seeing if the light stays on or goes out. (If it goes out when unplugged, there's a problem in your braking system somewhere.)
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MichRT
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Report this Post03-24-2012 05:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for MichRTSend a Private Message to MichRTDirect Link to This Post
Where would I find the connector from the MC? (Sorry, I'm quite illiterate when it comes to the Fiero's wiring)
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Electrathon
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Report this Post03-24-2012 05:47 PM Click Here to See the Profile for ElectrathonClick Here to visit Electrathon's HomePageSend a Private Message to ElectrathonDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by MichRT:

Where would I find the connector from the MC? (Sorry, I'm quite illiterate when it comes to the Fiero's wiring)

The wire connects to the proportioning valve. Unplug it, if the light goes out, it is a brake hydraulic issue.
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MichRT
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Report this Post03-24-2012 06:00 PM Click Here to See the Profile for MichRTSend a Private Message to MichRTDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Electrathon:

The wire connects to the proportioning valve. Unplug it, if the light goes out, it is a brake hydraulic issue.


Thanks. Unplugged it, started her up, no dice. Light is still on. What next?

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RWDPLZ
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Report this Post03-24-2012 06:09 PM Click Here to See the Profile for RWDPLZSend a Private Message to RWDPLZDirect Link to This Post
Pull out the parking brake switch and unplug it, make sure there's fluid in the master cylinder, and if that doesn't work, stomp on the brake pedal as had as you can.
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theogre
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Report this Post03-24-2012 06:17 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by RWDPLZ:
Pull out the parking brake switch and unplug it, make sure there's fluid in the master cylinder, and if that doesn't work, stomp on the brake pedal as had as you can.

If he has the E-brake cable attach then pull on the cable in back of car.

Need cable tension at E-brake level to shut off brake light and chime.

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Bloozberry
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Report this Post03-25-2012 08:42 AM Click Here to See the Profile for BloozberrySend a Private Message to BloozberryDirect Link to This Post
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Lou6t4gto
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Report this Post03-25-2012 01:24 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Lou6t4gtoSend a Private Message to Lou6t4gtoDirect Link to This Post
2 wires connected to the parking brake switch, dis connect them ! it's at the base of the handle.
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Report this Post03-25-2012 01:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BloozberrySend a Private Message to BloozberryDirect Link to This Post
Actually, there's only one wire... a ground (or black) wire.
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TheKingOfBattle
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Report this Post03-25-2012 11:37 PM Click Here to See the Profile for TheKingOfBattleSend a Private Message to TheKingOfBattleDirect Link to This Post
My brake indicator light used to stay on even though the brake was disengaged. The wire on my e-brake warning light switch was cut, so I'd look at the switch, or the wiring running from it. It is bolted up to the e-brake handle right behind where the lever pivots, so you'll have to pull the boot to check it.
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MichRT
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Report this Post03-26-2012 07:12 PM Click Here to See the Profile for MichRTSend a Private Message to MichRTDirect Link to This Post
Thanks for all the help guys I figured it out, It turned out to be a much simpler fix than I anticipated. Here is the culprit: http://t.co/824uXzCZ
See how low that e-brake cable is? Somehow it got wedged up above, so tension was a bit constant. Pulled it down, straightened it best I could, no more brake light!
Now I have a new problem: How can I effectively raise that cable from the ground? Can I tighten it somehow?
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firejo24
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Report this Post03-26-2012 07:21 PM Click Here to See the Profile for firejo24Send a Private Message to firejo24Direct Link to This Post
There’s a metal hanger (looks like a coat hanger bent into shape) that’s suppose to hold the cable up against the cradle. Yours is missing. There should be one on either side.
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MichRT
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Report this Post03-26-2012 09:34 PM Click Here to See the Profile for MichRTSend a Private Message to MichRTDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by firejo24:

There’s a metal hanger (looks like a coat hanger bent into shape) that’s suppose to hold the cable up against the cradle. Yours is missing. There should be one on either side.


Sorry I don't have a pic, but up higher in the wheel well I found a small metal bracket to hold the cable, so I dropped it in there. Grabbed a coat hanger, cut it to size, and shaped it to add a bit more support. Now It's all where it should be! One problem down. Now onto the O2 sensor...
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Australian
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Report this Post03-27-2012 03:14 AM Click Here to See the Profile for AustralianClick Here to visit Australian's HomePageSend a Private Message to AustralianDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Bloozberry:

Actually, there's only one wire... a ground (or black) wire.


This wont actually break the circuit there is more than likely enough earth without the wire it likely isn't even required.
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