Parking Brake Light Indicator Stays Lit

droolbucket · January 6, 2006

I have a 1992 S10 4x4 with an automatic transmission and a 4.3L engine. It has 200,000 miles. I had the transmission replaced two weeks a go. The transfer case went out a week later. I had it replaced.

The parking brake light indicator has stayed on since I picked up the truck. I asked the mechanic who replaced the transmission and transfer case about it. He said he changed the fuse when he replaced the transmission. It went out again when he replaced the transfer case.

The light is bright when I engage the parking brake. It dims a little when I disengage the brake. It sometimes goes off when I first disengage the brake, but it always comes back on (dim) again within a few minutes.

I do not know anything about vehicle repair. A friend of mine is willing to look at the truck for me. He said I should purchase an error code reader. Where do I get one of these?? Is a Napa one better than a Walmart one?? Are the error code readers universal or does each make of vehicle require a different one? Where does the error code reader connect to my truck??

Thanks in advance for any help!!!

asilverblazer · January 6, 2006

You can get code readers at auto parts stores. It connects under the dash to the left of the steering wheel you will need an OBDII compatible unit which will work on any car 1996 or newer. However a cheap one will not read all codes and probably will not help you with your parking brake, although I could be wrong. The code readers that will help you are very expensive, think thousands, the best being the Vetronix Tech2 they use it at the dealerships.

droolbucket · January 6, 2006

You can get code readers at auto parts stores. It connects under the dash to the left of the steering wheel you will need an OBDII compatible unit which will work on any car 1996 or newer. However a cheap one will not read all codes and probably will not help you with your parking brake, although I could be wrong. The code readers that will help you are very expensive, think thousands, the best being the Vetronix Tech2 they use it at the dealerships.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you so much for your response!!

Here is an update on my truck. By the way, I bought this truck new in 1992. I have kept it all these years. It's been a great truck, but she's getting old now.

My friend and I got out my repair guide. It said to use a jumper wire where you told me to connect the code reader. The guide said the brake light indicator would flash the appropriate code after 20 seconds. We received no code. We did the procedure for erasing the code.

The light did not come again when I started the truck. It came on again at between thirty and forty-five miles per hour, and stayed on. I stopped at about four or five places in town. Each time the light would not come on when I started the truck. It always lit when the truck reached between 35 to 45 mph.

I hope this new information will be helpful.

asilverblazer · January 6, 2006

I'm sorry I'm giving you bad advice the 1992 are OBDI, the codes are read by flashing lights which you have tried, there are some websites that have readers for laptops that are reasonably cost effective, if you have a laptop. After the light reilluminates, try getting the code then while the light is still on. I'm not real sure but there is a series of flashes the first series is the first digit in the code and the second series is the second digit. It might flash a couple times before it gets to the actual code but I can't remeber. For example the code 23 is displayed as blink, blink... pause ... blink, blink, blink.

Anyways I'm not exactly sure on your truck, but it might give you some ideas. For sure try jumping the harness while the light is imlluminated.

droolbucket · January 7, 2006

I'm sorry I'm giving you bad advice the 1992 are OBDI, the codes are read by flashing lights which you have tried, there are some websites that have readers for laptops that are reasonably cost effective, if you have a laptop. After the light reilluminates, try getting the code then while the light is still on. I'm not real sure but there is a series of flashes the first series is the first digit in the code and the second series is the second digit. It might flash a couple times before it gets to the actual code but I can't remeber. For example the code 23 is displayed as blink, blink... pause ... blink, blink, blink.

Anyways I'm not exactly sure on your truck, but it might give you some ideas. For sure try jumping the harness while the light is imlluminated.

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The only time the light is on is when the truck is running. My manual doesn't say to have the truck running to get the code. It does say to have the ignition on when erasing the code. Can I get a reading while the truck is running?

Axlshaft · January 7, 2006

Try pulling up on the parking brake pedal. My truck does the same thing but randomly. When I pull up on the pedal, the light goes out. I think it is the parking break adjustment, it seems loose like there is play in the cable.

Your cable might have been stretched or taken off during the tranny install.

If that light stays on all the time it also can indicate that you have a leak in either your front or rear brake lines. You should check your brake fluid to be sure.

JoeDirt · June 1, 2006

I have a 1993 GMC Seirra that does the same thing. Did you find anything out? I can't figure it out for nothing. I haven't checked to see if come on a certain speed. I have had it shut off for a day or so then stay on for weeks at a time.