e-brake light problem

Ight...thanks for the help i got a game plan now...

 

Sounds like thats my problem, but im still gonna look for leaks.....I HATE LEAKS lol

 

The light on the dash serves two purposes. Yes, it does come on when you pull on the e-brake cable but in also comes on when the fluid level sensor in the brake master cylinder resivior is exposed to air. That is why it came on in a turn. The fluid sloshed over to one side. Once it sloshed back to level the light went back off.

Its Toyota's way of telling you the fluid level is getting low. Top it off a little and you'll be fine if your front brake pads are fine.

 

ok thanks for the heads up

 

Dude, I have the same problem. And no, my brake fluid is not low.

 

mine is doing the same thing right now, i bought some brake fluid because the fluid was low in my truck. i am going to try that today and i will let you know what happens.
i have a 2000 tacoma 2.4L

 

my fluid was low as well fixed it for now

 

Ya if your brake fluid is low the e-brake light will stay on. I had the same problem about a year ago. I just added a little bit of fluid and the light as not come on since. The fluid as I understand has nothing to do with the e-brake but since they but have to deal with the brake system that is why Tacoma uses the the e-brake light to warn you of low brake fluid.

 

the 'brake' light can come on with low fluid in reservoir, could mean pads are low or you have a leak someplace. Leaks could be around reservoir, lines, calipers, or cylinders (brake cylinders are what move the rear brake shoes against the drums) YES your drum brakes use brake fluid!

It can also come/stay on if your e-brake sticks. There are several pivots that could stick. There is one that is about in the middle of the truck, the second is on a bracket on your rear axle (or pumpkin), 3rd and 4th are bell cranks (known by other names too). There is one on the back of each of the drums. Yeah its that piece that has the little spring on it and cable attached to it.

Frozen bell cranks are the main reason the brake light doesnt go off after the e-brake is released. The best way to fix this is taking them off and grinding off all of the rust, lubing and putting back together.

I actually just picked up a Tacoma that needs it done and Im guessing there isnt a write-up on doing it so I will try and do one up for everyone.

 

thanks....and welcome to TW

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/140573-how-clean-bell-cranks-ebrake-stick-fix.html