Why does my Brak light come on when my car is off?

[bestbuy1]

Today i was exiting the highway and my brakes felt way different (very weak) and today and for the past few days the emergency brake parking light is on when the car is completely turned off w/ keys out of ignition. I just got a leak in the brake fluid lines fixed and the cylinder is full. What is the deal with this? (no the e-brake is not engaged)

 

[projectSHO89]

Are you saying that the BRAKE light on your instument panel is ON while the ignition is OFF?

Not possible unless your ignition switch was defective or there is a short to HOT in the supply circuit for the instrument panel.

If the light is on as above, pull fuse # 18 and see if it goes out. Let us know.

Steve

<small>[ January 20, 2003, 11:41 AM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[ricky]

Had the same problem on an 89SW. When the light is on and key out jiggle the connection on the side of the master cylinder. This should pin point the problem area

 

[betterman]

I'd check your brake fluid reservoir again, maybe there is another leak in the system somewhere. When one of my brake lines blew, the brakes felt very weak and the brake light came on. I believe the brake light comes on when its low on fluid.

 

[94mtx]

i am unclear about your brake fluid level?? if you have a leak then you will loose some ofcouse, and there is a low-level indicator in the master cylinder that turns on the brake light on the dash. some shos (and other cars) have worn out ign locks and you can acutally start it with out the key, fords are good at that. try turning off the car, but dont turn the key all the way back, just barely enough to remove the key, remove the key, and try to start your sho. if so, then you have a worn our ign lock, and also posibly some brake problem?? does the light stay on all the time? or just when you turn off the sho?

jon