Brake light stays on

[beck]

My wife has a 1982 Chrysler LeBaron with less than 10K miles (garage queen, seldom sees the light of day, like-new condition). The brake light stays on even after starting the car.

I disconnected the wire from the switch under the dash that the e-brake actuates and the light still stayed on. Appears to be nothing wrong with the e-brake mechanism itself or how it's contacting the switch.

Haven't electrically tested the switch yet but the contacts open and close OK.

I know these lights are supposed to come on briefly when the car is started and then go off. Could it be that whatever is supposed to turn the light off after starting be defective?

Any ideas on tracking this down as I'm not that familiar with what automatically controls the light.

 

[Dave Sherman]

If you're talking about the warning light on the dash, that also indicates problems with the brake system, not just that the parking brake is applied. Should be either a fluid level sensor in the master cylinder that detects low brake fluid, or a switch that trips if one of the two brake system circuits isn't building pressure.

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
If you're talking about the warning light on the dash, that also indicates problems with the brake system, not just that the parking brake is applied. Should be either a fluid level sensor in the master cylinder that detects low brake fluid, or a switch that trips if one of the two brake system circuits isn't building pressure.

+1

 

[NHGUY]

The switch in the proportioning valve could be bad too.

 

[getnpsi]

Test the switch at the master cylinder too. My dodge is a 2004 with not a lot in common as far as parts with yours I'd imagine but my brake light will pop on with hard acceleration if reservoir's not all the way full.

 

[beck]

Appreciate the replies.
Will check things out accordingly.

 

[mattd]

unplug the switch at the master cylinder and see if the light goes out.