when I'm driving along (with the parking brake off!) and slow down (by pressing the brake pedal, as normal!) the parking brake light on the dash comes on. it will typically stay on until I brake again later, sometimes it stays on through several "braking" cycles.

I'm guessing there is a switch in the center console which is loose or something?

 

That light also indicates low brake fluid, and possibly other brake faults. Check the fluid level.

Ken

 

Check the brake fluid, it's more than likely low.

 

While you are at it...check your brake pads......usually if the light comes on they are wearing close to the limit.....

 

ok, I checked the fluid. it is exactly half-way between the min and max marks. do you think that's low enough to trigger the light?

 

It shouldnt trigger it if its only 1/2 way.

but it could be your wheels are lose, or the ABS system sense that the wheels braking speed are out of balance, like 1 speed stops faster or locks up when all other 3 are fine most of the time. Or the wheel is shaky and speed sensor cant get any readings correctly.

It could be a lot of things, I think you should have it check out.

 

Top it up and see if it goes away...also check the parking brake switch and see if it's working properly...could be that as well

 

looking at the brake pads: I have driven about 23,000 miles since the front pads were replaced, and I have 71,000 miles total on the back brakes. the back brakes do look a bit thin. I can't tell how low the front brakes are really, it's hard to see in there.

I'll get some brake fluid and top that off tomorrow (any particular kind I should get?)

where should I look to find the parking brake switch?

 

whattt ? 71000 miles for the rear brake pads ? never been replaced ?!

Go change it man, what the.

Parking Brake Switch could be found when you pray the center console open, which is easy. Flat headed screwdriver is all u need.

 

HUH?

 

I was trying to say

if your wheel is loose, it could trigger the brake lights as well.

 

ok, I checked the parking brake switch. it looks fine, is in the right place, rock solid.

found some synthetic brake fluid in the garage, so I topped it off (to just under the max mark). will try driving it in the morning to see if that helped.

I'm going to probably need to get the rear brake pads done soon, but I don't think they're quite done yet. (front ones wear a LOT faster)

 

HUH?

 

wait wait wait wait

You found some brake fluid in the garage ?

First off, are they Dot 3 or Dot 4 ? If it is, then they're ok. if its Dot 5. You BETTER drain it out ASAP.

Next question, how long has it been that bottle *sitting* in your garage ? if its more than a week. DRAIN your system ASAP. Cuz Brake Fluid love moisture, as soon as you open that bottle seal, water can go in, and just by about 10 % moisture can make the brake fluid's boiling point drop like couple hundred degrees. Meaning its useless.

so if it has been there for a while, buy some new Brake Fluid thats DOT 4, 2-3 bottles, then bleed ur system.

 

I HATE YOU !

 

ah. well, it says it exceed DOT 3 and DOT 4 standards. it's only been there a few months, and it's pretty dry here (I think it's only rained once the whole time that bottle's been opened). it's like 9% humidity here

 

hmm, well just a safety reminder.

if I were u I will drain/bleed the whole system with new fluids.

Cuz it will not be funny if it already absorbs too much moisture, and decided to *boil over* when you're trying to do some heavy braking.

 

yes.

I drove it around a bit, and topping it off seems to have done it. no parking brake light!

thanks

 

No hating intent...but WTF

 

NO ! I HATE YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Hate on then ......try and dispense advise on topics that you have knowledge on....not guesses.....