Sweden Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 Hello I have a question regarding the parking brake light on the dash of my ´96 OBW that is staying on for ever-increasing periods of time while driving. It can stay on up to 30 minutes while the car is in operation. The mechanic here said initially that it probably was frozen (he looked at it in Feb.) and we just shouldn't use it during the winter months, but now the problem is still persisting in the warmer months. Do brake cables rust on these or is just the 'fairy brake mother' telling me that it is now time for new rear pads? I just checked the pads and there aren't a whole lot left on them. Thanks! Sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwpincus Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 On every car i can think of, that light pulls double duty as an indicator for when your fluid is running low. Which can indicate low fluid or that the pads have worn down enough to need fluid to displace the difference Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 You need a new mechanic. First off the parking brake light switch is inside the car, where it cant freeze. It has nothing to do with freezing cables or the mechanisim itself. If you had no brake cables attached the light would still work. Secondly the brake fluid level switch is part of the cup in the master cylinder. Again its under the hood and in a fairly warm place. Not using your parking brake in winter, i hope you dont have a stick. You have either a lazy switch in the master cylinder resivoir cover, or you are low on brake fluid like stated above. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brus brother Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Hey Nippy, SOA part number please? BB You need a new mechanic. nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Boncyk Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 :lol::lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subarian Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 The switch is under the console near the pivot point of the parking brake lever. You might be able to see it by pushing aside the rubber opening the handle goes through. It's more likely that your brake fluid is low. I would check that first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Hey Nippy,SOA part number please? BB they are haard to find, i think they have been superseeded and i dont have the new part number. Maybe JDM is best nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaru_for_LIfe Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 I have a similar problem on my '93 Legacy also. When the outside temperature is around 60 degrees or less (which by the way is really cold for South Florida:D ) the parking brake light comes on. When it warms up a bit later in the day the light goes away. All the fluid levels are fine. I now use the idiot light as a poorman's outside air temperature guage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 I have a similar problem on my '93 Legacy also. When the outside temperature is around 60 degrees or less (which by the way is really cold for South Florida:D ) the parking brake light comes on. When it warms up a bit later in the day the light goes away. All the fluid levels are fine. I now use the idiot light as a poorman's outside air temperature guage Just for kicks, try disconnecting the fluid level switch and see if the light goes out nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subaru_for_LIfe Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Just for kicks, try disconnecting the fluid level switch and see if the light goes out nipper Thanks Nipper, but I'm afraid it's gonna be a long wait as we Floridians won't be able to enjoy the sub 60s temperatures until next year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Thanks Nipper, but I'm afraid it's gonna be a long wait as we Floridians won't be able to enjoy the sub 60s temperatures until next year heheh better get that snow blower now, the way the freaky weather is going nipper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweden Posted May 8, 2006 Author Share Posted May 8, 2006 A couple drops of fluid and away the light went...so simple it was! Thanks for the simple but good advice!!! Sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce in Boring Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 A couple drops of fluid and away the light went...so simple it was! Thanks for the simple but good advice!!! Sweden OK... So, did you put the fluid in the reservoir or on the switch? My '98 is doing the same thing now & I'd like to resolve this light thingy thanks...... b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sweden Posted November 4, 2006 Author Share Posted November 4, 2006 As simple as fluid in the reservior, nothing on the switch. Actually, I just had the rotors turned, and I noticed the other day the light 'on' again. I need to go out and check the fluid level again. Thanks for the reminder! Good luck! Sweden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce in Boring Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 Sweden... thank you Sir. That will be the first thing I do in the morning. .....b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamal Posted November 4, 2006 Share Posted November 4, 2006 If you don't know when the fluid was changed last, you should have it done. It tends to collect moisture pretty quickly, which likes to oxidize things in the brake system and lower the boiling point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Clark Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 The rubber bellows on the brake fluid tank cap can pop out. It should be folded up toward the cap. If this happens, the bellows will push the low fluid float down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce in Boring Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Well, I checked out the reservoir and, yup, it was down to minimum. I filled it and away went the light. Thanks guys..... ....b Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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