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BRAKE WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM
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blt
User
Dec 8, 2006, 8:57 AM
Post #1 of 4
(3270 views)
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BRAKE WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM
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I have a 97 Mercury Mystique. The Brake light on the dash panel has been coming on when I take my foot off the brake pedal. I first asumed it was the switch (don't know its proper name) which activates another switch when the shift lever is in park. Moving that switch off its bracket at the brake pedal arm had no effect.
Just the lightest tap of the pedal (not actually depressing enough to brake ) will cause the light to go off. Is there a switch connected with the arm for the master cylinder or am I missing some other switch related to movement of the brake pedal? Is this a ground issue or a bad switch?
Thankyou
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 8, 2006, 10:40 AM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: BRAKE WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM
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There are 3 switches in the system. The brake on/off switch, parking brake switch, and low fluid switch in the brake master cylinder reservoir. The first place I would look is at the master cylinder. If fluid level is low, it will cause the red brake light to illuminate. If it is full, look at the parking brake to be sure it is fully disengaged. If it is on a little, it will also cause the red brake warning light to come on. The brake switch on the pedal would not cause the light to come on. It is there solely to direct current to the brake lights and cruise switch if you have cruise control. Probably depressing the pedal a little is movint the fluid in the reservoir and opening the contacts on the fluid level switch. If fluid is low, have your brakes checked. Low fluid level is either a worn braking material or a leak in the system.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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blt
User
Dec 10, 2006, 7:10 PM
Post #3 of 4
(3251 views)
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Re: BRAKE WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM
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Way2Old,
I had checked my fluid level in the master cylinder and it was 1/2 way between the max and min marks and wrongly assumed that this was not the problem. After reading your post, I topped it off close to the max line and the brake light has not come back on. I have never added fluid in the 10 years I've had the car so with 22,000 miles, the level is either lower due to break wear or some seepage.
Time to inspect the wheel cylinders and flush the lines.
Thanks for your correct diagnosis. Just glad it was a simple fix. Now I'll know to check this even if the level seems to be OK.
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way2old
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 11, 2006, 6:11 PM
Post #4 of 4
(3243 views)
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Re: BRAKE WARNING LIGHT PROBLEM
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Thank you for posting back. That is our thanks and pay. Your follow up may help someone else with the same problem. Please have the brakes checked soon.
Being way2old is why I need help from younger minds
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