Parking brake light stays on

TyranosaurusWRX · 12-28-2004, 08:16 PM

Kinda weird, but I am assuming it is a loose wire somewhere. The brake is not actually engaged but the light stays on. If I accelerate rapidly the light will go off, sometimes for good but not always. If I brake aggressively the light may tend to come back on.
Where would I look to check for this problem? I am going to start by pulling up the center console....any other ideas?

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Mulder · 12-28-2004, 08:23 PM

Low brake fluid. The light is also connected to a level sensor in the brake fluid reservoir. When the level starts to get low, usually due to worn pads, the light will come on occasionally when turning, accelerating, braking etc. Eventually it may remain on steadily.
Check your pads before adding more fluid, chances are they are low. If so replace them first before adding fluid, or it may overflow later.

TyranosaurusWRX · 12-28-2004, 08:29 PM

Ahhh, that makes perfect sense. I think I am still riding on the original pads, so that all falls into place. Thanks for the tip!!!

Teufelhund · 12-05-2008, 10:05 PM

I'm so glad I found this thread. I have been trying to disconnect and reconnect wire connections to my parking break switch to no avail. I'm going to try to add some brake fluid tomorrow to see if this fixes the problem... too bad I don't have access to some nice Brembo rotors and calipers. I would love to slap them on in conjunction with some nice steel braded lines. I wish my ol suby braked like my Evo... maybe some day.

Uncle Scotty · 12-06-2008, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teufelhund

I'm so glad I found this thread. I have been trying to disconnect and reconnect wire connections to my parking break switch to no avail. I'm going to try to add some brake fluid tomorrow to see if this fixes the problem... too bad I don't have access to some nice Brembo rotors and calipers. I would love to slap them on in conjunction with some nice steel braded lines. I wish my ol suby braked like my Evo... maybe some day.

you almost certainly need new brake pads

and properly done your brakes can be FAR better without any silly Brembos

no....really....just ask me how

sciroccokid · 02-02-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty

you almost certainly need new brake pads

and properly done your brakes can be FAR better without any silly Brembos

no....really....just ask me how

How?! Buying new pads today. . .

Addict · 02-05-2009, 08:14 AM

Hey me too. This makes sense since I've still got the stock pads/rotors.

I'll give it a go.

Uncle Scotty · 02-05-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Scotty

you almost certainly need new brake pads

and properly done your brakes can be FAR better without any silly Brembos

no....really....just ask me how

Quote:

Originally Posted by sciroccokid

How?! Buying new pads today. . .

Quote:

Originally Posted by Addict

Hey me too. This makes sense since I've still got the stock pads/rotors.

I'll give it a go.

OK....

The pre '06 wrx has a garbage stock brake combination and thus the bias is WAY too far to the front.

this is EASY and CHEAP(relativly) to correct....and shift the bias to the rear a bit to make the rear brakes actually DO something.

All ya need is the CORRECT rear---yes REAR brake caliper mounting brackets to use the 290x10 rear brake disc and the discs...and remove the rear 'dust shields' from the backing plate

This is the 'h6' rear brake mod

Now...02 - 05 wrx uses 2 DIFFERENT rear brake pad 'shapes' and this is the only real complicated part......

see the linked thread below and pay attention to the racing brake link in post #19

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...3#post25469273

also....the master cylinder brace is no joke....get one....no really

and good pads and fluid and you will be amazed at how much better your brakes are

Addict · 02-05-2009, 03:42 PM

Good advice there Uncle Scotty. I was thinking about the H6 upgrade since I've got to swap them out anyhow. The cost doesn't seem too much more. Also found the RacingBrake rear brackets that allow me to use the newer style pads. Save me from forgetting which pads to order next time around.

channerhewitt · 02-06-2009, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mulder

Low brake fluid. The light is also connected to a level sensor in the brake fluid reservoir. When the level starts to get low, usually due to worn pads, the light will come on occasionally when turning, accelerating, braking etc. Eventually it may remain on steadily.
Check your pads before adding more fluid, chances are they are low. If so replace them first before adding fluid, or it may overflow later.

Thanks for the info, I had the same problem like that....

Addict · 02-06-2009, 08:26 AM

Whaddya know. My brakes started squeaking last night.

twizhimself · 02-10-2009, 01:13 PM

just encountered this myself yesterday. Wasnt sure, finally last night i adjusted my parking brake, and today the light stays on. I guess this weekend ill be pulling my brakes and checking their wear/fluid

dunk · 02-10-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twizhimself

just encountered this myself yesterday. Wasnt sure, finally last night i adjusted my parking brake, and today the light stays on. I guess this weekend ill be pulling my brakes and checking their wear/fluid

You don't have to pull anything.

You can verify the fluid level by just opening the hood.

You can see the pad wear by just peeking through the spokes of the wheel. You won't be able to see the inside pad, but it will give you a good idea if that's the reason the light is on.

-Duncan

dryvby · 02-11-2009, 10:27 PM

h6 upgrade made an awesome difference along with metal lines on my impreza. im gonna take unkle scottys advise and give the cylinder brace a whirl. any manufacturer that you would recommend for the brace would be great scotty.

dunk · 02-12-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dryvby

h6 upgrade made an awesome difference along with metal lines on my impreza. im gonna take unkle scottys advise and give the cylinder brace a whirl. any manufacturer that you would recommend for the brace would be great scotty.

Buy the Cusco. It mounts with more bolts than the Perrin and it's made out of steel.

-Duncan

dryvby · 02-12-2009, 03:10 PM

coo, thanks dunk

IVGottaBDreamin · 02-24-2009, 08:00 AM

So do you think it's the same problem if the brake light only comes on in the morning when I'm driving to work in the cold? The past two mornings I've driven my car to work it's been pretty cold (atleast for SC temps) and the brake light has been on both mornings. but not after work or at night. I wonder if its my fluid level too...

Addict · 02-24-2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IVGottaBDreamin

So do you think it's the same problem if the brake light only comes on in the morning when I'm driving to work in the cold? The past two mornings I've driven my car to work it's been pretty cold (atleast for SC temps) and the brake light has been on both mornings. but not after work or at night. I wonder if its my fluid level too...

Cold causes contraction. Warm/hot causes expansion. Think about it for a sec and you'll answer your own question.

...Its an easy check. Pop the hood and look at the reservoir when its cold.

Addict · 03-01-2009, 09:57 PM

Finally got my pads & rotors swapped out. Went with stock OE spec and Hawk HPS pads.
Fronts...

Rears...

Think the change was overdue?

Got new fluid and the MBC brace sitting the garage. Those are next.

Brake light is out. Thanks again Uncle Scotty.

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12-28-2004, 08:16 PM	#1
TyranosaurusWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 25731 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: flatlands usa, (IN) Vehicle: 02 wrx(sold)/2005 Sti/ 93 Leg Wag	Parking brake light stays on Kinda weird, but I am assuming it is a loose wire somewhere. The brake is not actually engaged but the light stays on. If I accelerate rapidly the light will go off, sometimes for good but not always. If I brake aggressively the light may tend to come back on. Where would I look to check for this problem? I am going to start by pulling up the center console....any other ideas? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

12-28-2004, 08:23 PM	#2
Mulder Trust no one Moderator Member#: 11170 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NYC Vehicle: 02 WRX 05 GTO/11 Sonata(!)	Low brake fluid. The light is also connected to a level sensor in the brake fluid reservoir. When the level starts to get low, usually due to worn pads, the light will come on occasionally when turning, accelerating, braking etc. Eventually it may remain on steadily. Check your pads before adding more fluid, chances are they are low. If so replace them first before adding fluid, or it may overflow later.

12-28-2004, 08:29 PM	#3
TyranosaurusWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 25731 Join Date: Oct 2002 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: flatlands usa, (IN) Vehicle: 02 wrx(sold)/2005 Sti/ 93 Leg Wag	Ahhh, that makes perfect sense. I think I am still riding on the original pads, so that all falls into place. Thanks for the tip!!!

12-05-2008, 10:05 PM	#4
Teufelhund Scooby Newbie Member#: 24792 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Jacksonville, NC Vehicle: 02 WRXwag, Evo IX Both Vishnu Tuned	I'm so glad I found this thread. I have been trying to disconnect and reconnect wire connections to my parking break switch to no avail. I'm going to try to add some brake fluid tomorrow to see if this fixes the problem... too bad I don't have access to some nice Brembo rotors and calipers. I would love to slap them on in conjunction with some nice steel braded lines. I wish my ol suby braked like my Evo... maybe some day.

02-05-2009, 08:14 AM	#7
Addict Scooby Newbie Member#: 88434 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Ohio Vehicle: 2006 Maxima 3.5SE Super Silver Color	Hey me too. This makes sense since I've still got the stock pads/rotors. I'll give it a go.

02-05-2009, 03:42 PM	#9
Addict Scooby Newbie Member#: 88434 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Ohio Vehicle: 2006 Maxima 3.5SE Super Silver Color	Good advice there Uncle Scotty. I was thinking about the H6 upgrade since I've got to swap them out anyhow. The cost doesn't seem too much more. Also found the RacingBrake rear brackets that allow me to use the newer style pads. Save me from forgetting which pads to order next time around.

02-06-2009, 08:26 AM	#11
Addict Scooby Newbie Member#: 88434 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Ohio Vehicle: 2006 Maxima 3.5SE Super Silver Color	Whaddya know. My brakes started squeaking last night.

02-10-2009, 01:13 PM	#12
twizhimself Scooby Specialist Member#: 58294 Join Date: Mar 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: easton, pa Vehicle: 2004 WRX / 1998 Foz SoCal F4 #20 / Area1320	just encountered this myself yesterday. Wasnt sure, finally last night i adjusted my parking brake, and today the light stays on. I guess this weekend ill be pulling my brakes and checking their wear/fluid

02-11-2009, 10:27 PM	#14
dryvby Scooby Newbie Member#: 49931 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Grand Rapids, MI Vehicle: 0305 wrx/Xt black/gold	h6 upgrade made an awesome difference along with metal lines on my impreza. im gonna take unkle scottys advise and give the cylinder brace a whirl. any manufacturer that you would recommend for the brace would be great scotty.

02-12-2009, 03:10 PM	#16
dryvby Scooby Newbie Member#: 49931 Join Date: Dec 2003 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Grand Rapids, MI Vehicle: 0305 wrx/Xt black/gold	coo, thanks dunk

02-24-2009, 08:00 AM	#17
IVGottaBDreamin Scooby Newbie Member#: 203833 Join Date: Feb 2009 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Lexington SC Vehicle: 2004 JBP WRX	So do you think it's the same problem if the brake light only comes on in the morning when I'm driving to work in the cold? The past two mornings I've driven my car to work it's been pretty cold (atleast for SC temps) and the brake light has been on both mornings. but not after work or at night. I wonder if its my fluid level too...

03-01-2009, 09:57 PM	#19
Addict Scooby Newbie Member#: 88434 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Ohio Vehicle: 2006 Maxima 3.5SE Super Silver Color	Finally got my pads & rotors swapped out. Went with stock OE spec and Hawk HPS pads. Fronts... Rears... Think the change was overdue? Got new fluid and the MBC brace sitting the garage. Those are next. Brake light is out. Thanks again Uncle Scotty.