Brake light on...where to start?

[JGorombey]

My brake light is on now. I went through some old posts trying to find some answers. I checked the switch connected to the Ebrake and it was ok (I even cleaned up the copper a bit). I read somewhere to disconnect the battery and see if it resets but haven't done that yet.



Where should I start?



Also, I am assuming the brake fluid reserve is sticking out the front of the master cylinder. Is this correct, and is this where I fill the brake fluid?

 

[NWarren]

My truck used to do the same thing. The brake light switch on the brake pedal had got out of adjustment. i got a stamped steel nut[to thread on plastic] from a auto parts store and it's been fine since. hope that helps

 

[NWarren]

oh crap your talking about the light in the dash. i'd try disconnecting the battery that should do it. if not try a search for abs light might help.

 

[cerberusiam]

Yes, the brake reservoir is on the front of the brake booster. Large reservoir is for the front, small if for the rear.



Check the proportioning valve and make sure the wire is connected and clean and it isn't stuck one way.



Do you get lights on the brake and anti-lock both or just brake?

 

[JGorombey]

I only get one light on and it says -- BRAKE(P)(!)

It's to the right of the 4x4 picture that lights up.

 

[JGorombey]

I checked the fluid - it looks ok. I am on to checking vacuum leaks.

 

[JGorombey]

Where is the proportioning valve?

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

Is your truck a stick or an auto?

 

[TKingsbury]

You are looking for the safety switch. It is located inside the left frame rail below the Master cyl. Unhook the wire from it, it just pulls off. If the light went off, yippie, found the source. If not, look elsewhere. If the light indeed went off, heres the deal. That switch is there to tell you there is a pressure imbalance between the front and rear systems (a leak). Check for leaks, if you find some, fix them. All the leaks are fixed or no leaks are found, do this. Have an assistant pump up the pedal like you're gonna bleed the brakes (with the key on so they can observe the light). Crack a bleeder (front or rear) and see if the light goes off. If not, tighten that bleeder and move to the other end of the truck and do the same thing. If the light goes off, tighten the bleeder and live happily ever after. If not, the switch is probably bad, replace it or leave it unhooked.

Travis. .

 

[JGorombey]

My truck is an automatic.



Thanks for the info guys!! I will check the switch tomorrow.

:-laf

 

[TKingsbury]

What's the scoop? Did you get it fixed?

Travis. .

 

[JGorombey]

My turbo and injectors arrived so I installed them - then I was ready for a rest. I will follow some of the suggestions tomorrow. Currently my light is still on, but I have not checked the safety switch.

 

[JGorombey]

I can't find it. What does it look like? I looked on the inside if the left frame rail below the master cylinder and didn't see it.

 

[TKingsbury]

I can't find it. What does it look like? I looked on the inside if the left frame rail below the master cylinder and didn't see it.

It is a largeish cast valve that all of the brake lines go in to. It has an electrical connector on the top in between two of the lines. Pull that connector off and see if the light goes off.

Travis. .

 

[JGorombey]

I found it and it is the problem. As soon I as unhook it the brake light turns off. I am attaching some pictures. I will follow the rest of your instructions.



Thanks!! Oo.

 

[JGorombey]

Thanks Travis. I just cracked the bleedrs and that didn't help. I think I'll try replacing the sensor.



Thanks again Travis!!! I really appreciate the help!!

 

[TKingsbury]

Thanks Travis. I just cracked the bleedrs and that didn't help. I think I'll try replacing the sensor.



Thanks again Travis!!! I really appreciate the help!!

No problemo. When you say you cracked the bleeders, did you have someone hold pressure on the brake pedal? Just want to be sure you are familiar with bleeding brakes before you buy parts. Just as an aside, your valve is way different in appearance and location than mine.

Travis. .

 

[TBrady]

Me too!

Hey guys, I have a similar problem, brake and ABS lights stay on. Reservoir is full, switch on proportioning valve makes no difference plugged or not, even tried grounding the wire... any suggestions? Thanks, --Todd

 

[cerberusiam]

If the brake and anti-lock light stay on it usually means a code in the RWAL controller. The RWAL controller is behind the glove box. There is a plug with no wconnection in the harness coming from the controller. You need to ground it for at least 10 seconds and the brake and anti-lock lights should start flashing sequences that represent error codes. If you get no flashing sequences it could be a short somewhere in the harness.

 

[TBrady]

Great, thanks cerb, I'll try that. Can you decode the flash sequence if it has a code?

--Todd