Park Brake Light

jtstacy77 · May 22, 2011

Trying to help my dad figure this out. After setting his park brake and releasing it, the brake light on the dash remained on. The brake doesn't seem to be dragging, so I believe it is released. Wondering where the switch is, that controls the dash brake light. Could the switch not be making contact when it is released? Any help is appreciated! 99 sonoma crew cab. I posted this thread in the compact truck forum with no help! You guys have been a great help to me on the fullsize forum, thought you might be able to help me with this one.

jsmith10000 · May 22, 2011

It sounds to me like an ABS issue or maybe a bad parking brake sensor switch. When you apply the parking brake does it get slightly brighter then when you release it does it get slightly dimmer? Also when you apply the parking brake does it work normally?

jtstacy77 · May 22, 2011

It sounds to me like an ABS issue or maybe a bad parking brake sensor switch. When you apply the parking brake does it get slightly brighter then when you release it does it get slightly dimmer? Also when you apply the parking brake does it work normally?

I havent noticed it getting brighter or dimmer, and the brake works when you set it.

jsmith10000 · May 22, 2011

Usually when the parking brake light stays on its telling you the ABS system has encountered an error and getting a code reader hooked up to it would be the easiest course of action. My 88 GMC had the same issue and after a lot of trial and error it wound up being the RWAL module. Rear Wheel Anti-Lock for the old trucks. I would look to see if the light does fluctuate in intensity when you apply the brake though because it could also just be a bad switch on the pedal.

jtstacy77 · May 22, 2011

Usually when the parking brake light stays on its telling you the ABS system has encountered an error and getting a code reader hooked up to it would be the easiest course of action. My 88 GMC had the same issue and after a lot of trial and error it wound up being the RWAL module. Rear Wheel Anti-Lock for the old trucks. I would look to see if the light does fluctuate in intensity when you apply the brake though because it could also just be a bad switch on the pedal.

Makes since i will get it checked with a code reader, thanks!