Brake Light Stays On

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Jan 27, 2005 | 06:25 AM

aph453

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From: New Jersey

Brake Light Stays On

Hey All!
On my way to work this morning I noticed the brake light would not go off. My emergency break is off, and yes I've tripled checked it. My handy dandy owners guide says "Illumination after the parking brake is released indicates low brake fluid level or a brake system malfunction and the brake system should be serviced immediately...". As stupid as this may sound, how do I check the brake level fluid? I sure hope it is that and not the brake system. Thanks for your help.

Adam

Jan 27, 2005 | 06:40 AM

teds74ford

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Adam, you can check the brake fluid by looking at the master cylinder which is right in front of you in the engine compartment. However, I would think it is the switch. It is located on the pedal shaft in the cab. If it fell out of its mount, the brake light will stay on. The reason I suggest this is that you didn't say the brakes didn't work well, which would be an indicator if the fluid was low.

Jan 27, 2005 | 06:58 AM

low

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What make and model vehicle is it? Some vehicles the brake fluid has to be to the top for the light to go off. Also, like Ted said, on the top of your parking brake pedal, there is a rubber plug that actually pushes the button to turn the light off when parking brake is not applied. This rubber piece can fall off and could be missing. If that's not it, you can test the level sensor by unplugging the electrical conncector on the side of the master cylinder. If the light goes out, your fluids too low or your switch is bad.

Jan 27, 2005 | 08:19 AM

aph453

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From: New Jersey

Sorry, It's a 2002 3.0 Escape. The brakes seem to work just fine, thats why I'm clueless.

Jan 27, 2005 | 02:28 PM

aph453

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From: New Jersey

Thanks for the help guys....I checked the brake fluid level and it was low, so I added some and it's all good

Jan 28, 2005 | 04:28 PM

maa139

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From: West Chester PA

You might want to look into why it was low. Low fluid levels indicate one of two things....Either the brake linings are worn and you need new brakes, or something is leaking.

Matt