I've owned my '84 GSL-SE for almost a year, and a new issue has developed.

It was cold this morning and, after sufficient warm up, I released the parking brake and drove off. I immediately noticed that the red "BRAKE" light on the dash remained lit (never happened before).

I pulled over, engaged and released the brake several times, but the light remained on.

When driving, it doesn't feel like the parking brake is engaged, and when I do pull the handle to engage the brake, I can tell it is working.

So, I'm thinking this might have something to do with the cold weather, and something sticking. But I obviously don't know for sure.

Could it be just the sensor being stuck? Or could the brake be stuck in a slightly engaged state?

What's the easiest way to isolate this problem.

As always, thank you to the guys who answer my questions!!

 

its low on brake fluid.

the light does two things, first is the parking brake, second is brake fluid level

 

Yep, check your fluid.

 

I'll bet he doesn't post back out of embarrassment! Don't be embarrassed, though - better to ask and get a straight answer than to be left wondering, or be driving on low brake fluid!

Something else to consider is that the brake fluid went somewhere. Either it's leaking out in an obvious location, or your brake pads are worn sufficiently that the fluid is needed to fill the caliper cups, and therefore the reservoir is low. Front brakes wear faster than rear brakes, so have a look there first.

 

If your fluid is at the correct level, this is my vote. Both my rx and my crv do the same thing here during the ND winters, as well as the last few jeeps I've owned. The light usually shuts off after the interior temperature has warmed up for a few minutes, but occasionally stays illuminated all the way to work. It is directly related to temperature, like the switch does not make contact. I wouldn't worry about it too much, but you could try to clean the switch with electrical parts cleaner or 100% ipa and see if that helps.

 

Unsure what 'switch' you're referring to, as the Brake Fluid Level sensor is attached to a plastic core that slides into the brake master cylinder reservoir from the outside and is a simple magnetic reed switch. The magnet is in the floating white plastic baffle visible from the top when adding fluid.

The parking brake switch could be the issue, but I doubt it.

 

Correct, the parking brake switch. Hopefully the op checks his fluid and reports his findings. I am telling you, cold weather never fails to do this to my vehicles..

 

Thanks for all the feedback on my post! This is one awesome group!

I checked my brake fluid level and it was normal. However, I fired up the car the next day, when we had much warmer weather, and the light did not stay on. So, I'm guessing it was a cold weather thing, as a couple of you stated.

I'll keep an eye on this and report back if anything new crops up.

Again, THANKS!

 

Long......
I am by no means a mechanic. I have some basic automotive knowledge, and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and do the work myself, if I'm pretty sure of what I'm doing (something I've received a lot of help from on this forum!).
I'm also not afraid or embarrassed to ask questions if I don't know the answer. I'd rather ask a question, and risk someone thinking I'm dumb, than do something that might harm my car.

My experience, for the most part, with this forum is that the members are very helpful to those of us who are more novice in our mechanical experience and ability. I hope it stays that way, and I hope I can be of help to others in the future as I get more experience under my belt.

Thanks!

 

My guess is the hand brake switch.

 

That's a great attitude for learning, and there's a lot of knowledge on these boards. Better to have a faulty switch than leaky brake calipers,

 

Hit that switch with some electrical cleaner, let it dry and then see if its works better the next
cold day. Glad to see it was a minor issue.