Idiot light

September 29, 2007 3:50 AM

The e-brake idiot light on my winter rat stays on when the brake is disengaged.

I've pulled the wire (just one wire, btw), which clips into the side of the switch, but the light is still on. I tried grounding the wire, no luck. I can't pull the fuse without disabling the other lights, and pulling the bulb would require dismantling the dash. Can any gearhead Mefites hope me?

The car is a '92 Buick Century.

posted by Mblue to Grab Bag (7 answers total)

Since the e-brake actually engages the rear brakes, there could possible be something amiss back there. Have you noticed whether the e-brake actually works anymore?
posted by Thorzdad at 4:48 AM on September 29, 2007

Response by poster: Thorzdad

The brakes, including the e-brake cable, were replaced 14 months ago. You are correct that the e-brake only engages the rear drum brakes, and I verified that the brake disengages (and engages) by jacking the rear and spinning the tires by hand.
posted by Mblue at 5:16 AM on September 29, 2007

Best answer: It could be one of two things -- either a dirty switch in the pedal or lever that activates the brake, or (more likely) there is a fluid sensor that triggers the e-brake light when your brake fluid goes low. Check your brake fluid level, you might be a little low.
posted by Geckwoistmeinauto at 7:02 AM on September 29, 2007 [1 favorite]

A square of carefully-placed electrical tape outta fix that.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 7:26 AM on September 29, 2007

Response by poster: Geckwoistmeinauto

That was it. I found where the fluid was leaking too. Guess where?
posted by Mblue at 7:50 AM on September 29, 2007

Response by poster: Geckwoistmeinauto

I forgot to say thanks.

Thank you.
posted by Mblue at 7:59 AM on September 29, 2007

If I had to guess where the fluid was leaking from, I'd say rear wheel cylinder. Seems to be the most common place, in my experience.
posted by davey_darling at 9:24 AM on September 29, 2007