Emergency Brake Cable

About 5 years ago I had my emergency brake cable replaced because the light came on, on the dash. The light went away and everything was hunky Dory. Then about 2 years ago the light came back on, so I’m wondering what the hell is going on. It’s like the cable gets stuck or something. It always happened in the winter for some reason. I very rarely use my emergency brake but my wife used it once and the light cam back on. Whenever I push in the handle a little the light goes out but comes back on when I hit a bump.

 

Maybe there is a short in the wireing or the sensor. Does your e break work just fine?

 

I would say your linkage is hosed up and not fully releasing. I would check linkage underneath your frame at drivers door. Soak it good with liquid wrench or something like that. And make sure your bell cranks are not hanging up either.

 

These trucks have a spring at the intermediate lever !!

This needs to be lubed now and then I do mine every oil change .

If you have winter the chemicals tend to make it hang up

simple any easy before replacing cables

My Parking Brake is always used

 

makes me think you might have a loose e-brake handle. if it is the case, it easy to re-tighten it at the handle (under the dash)

Then make sure your brake reservoir is topped up full (can make the light come on if it isn't)

 

ding ding ding ^^^

 

The slack adjustment for the eb rake is under the cab iirc. Too much and the handle can slide out. It only takes a tiny movement got the switch to throw the light. Adjust the cable and should cease to be an issue.

 

What do we have for him Johnny???

 

My money is on this answer!

 

Where are the bell cranks located don’t know much about e brakes

 

Follow your e-brake cable to the rear of truck. the e-brake cable t's off at the rear axle. Follow the cables to each wheel backing plate. You will see the arms the cable connects to. They are your bell cranks. Those arms should be close to touching the backing plates if they are free. Pull your e-brake and go to rear and see position of bell crank arms.They should pull away from backing plate. then release e-brake. They should move toward backing plate, almost touching.

 

Thank you djohn

 

I hope this helps you. Your welcome

 

Did you ever get this issue fixed ? I'm having the same problem... except I can hear a screeching noise, it sounds like it's coming from the right side. (I'm guessing one of the brakes is stuck) Today was 30° when I got in the truck and the light was on but the e-brake wasnt engaged.

 

You get it figured out?

 

I would like to know the final diagnostic as well. I have the same issue. Thanks all!

 

No I never got it fixed the weather has been crazy lately and I don’t have a garage. I’ve been looking around on here and maybe found a solution to this.

 

Ok

Perfect Tacomaman63! I was going to tell Tymeson to check this area if the brake light is on. Wyoming09 mentions this & is what I was referring to last May in my post to you. That black lever under your drivers door can get hosed up from rust and not release properly. If your brake light is on. Get underneath and pull back on that black lever your brake cable is attached to. Then check your dash light and see if it went off.. I sprayed mine with liquid wrench and haven't had issues since.

You mentioned weather... you must live in Pa! Its snowing again Thing is. On Feb 2nd Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow. Early spring my ass! lol!!

 

Yes I’m from Pa and am sick of this snow lol As far as Punxsutawney Phil

 

to you Phil!