Parking Brake Warning Lamp: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative brake indicator condition. If there are problems with several indicators in the instrument cluster, refer to Instrument Cluster Diagnosis and Testing. If the brake indicator stays on with the ignition switch in the On position and the park brake released, or comes on while driving, the brake system must be diagnosed and repaired prior to performing the following tests. If no brake system problem is found, the following procedures will help to locate a shorted or open circuit, or a faulty park brake switch input. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, FRONT IMPACT SENSOR, SIDE IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

INDICATOR ILLUMINATES DURING BULB TEST, BUT DOES NOT WHEN PARK BRAKE APPLIED
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector for the park brake switch from the switch terminal. Apply the parking brake. Check for continuity between the park brake switch terminal and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake switch.
2. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector for the instrument cluster from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for continuity between the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavities of the instrument panel wire harness connector for the park brake switch and the instrument panel wire harness connector for the instrument cluster. There should be continuity. If not OK, repair the open red brake warning indicator driver circuit between the park brake switch and the instrument cluster as required.

INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED - BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKS OK
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector for the park brake switch from the park brake switch terminal. Check for continuity between the terminal of the park brake switch and a good ground. There should be no continuity with the park brake released, and continuity with the park brake applied. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake switch.
2. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector for the instrument cluster from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for continuity between the red brake warning indicator driver circuit cavity of the instrument panel wire harness connector for the park brake switch and a good ground. There should be no continuity If not OK, repair the shorted red brake warning indicator driver circuit between the park brake switch and the instrument cluster as required.