E-Brake Instrument Cluster Light

I have had an issue where the e-brake instrument cluster light stays on some times when the brake lever is released. It doesn't seem like the brake is engaged anymore either, as you can easily tell if you start driving with it engaged. Some times it also seems to be off, then turns on while driving when I press the brake pedal.

I thought this would be caused by the button/switch which the e-brake level depresses when released, so I replaced that part, but it still occurs.

Any ideas?

 

Check your brake fluid reservoir, it might be low

 

The cable should have enough tension on it to pull the handle towards the engine and then depressing that button. You can see there's a little metal rod that is connected to the handle that is supposed to press that button. I'm pretty sure that is what you're experiencing. To fix that I believe you need to adjust how the cable is set at the lever towards the middle of the frame (driver's side). There's a nut that you can adjust. I believe that is what allows for adjustment towards getting the brakes set in the appropriate amount of clicks (12-18).

 

It does appear to have enough tension, and I have checked it many times when the light stays on, the rod is depressing the button properly every time I checked.

 

Well if the light is flickering on while the button is clearly depressed that would indicate that its a brake fluid problem. However that still leaves the question as to why you feel your parking brake isn't providing enough resistance.

 

It doesn't flicker, it stays on solid, sometimes turning off later on while driving. I didn't say I don't feel it is providing enough resistance, the e-brake seems to function fine, same as it always has, the light is the only issue.

 

Right on. Well it seems like its a brake fluid low level. I'd go check the reservoir and see where it's at. Other than that, I'm not sure as I believe I've heard its either a sensor related to brake fluid level or the e brake button.

 

There are three reasons why the light would be on:

1) the e-brake is on
2) low brake fluid
3) faulty switch (it thinks the e-brake is on)

If things are functioning, it's going to be 2 or 3. Most likely 2.

 

Hmm, OK, Ill check the fluid. I check it every now and then so I wouldn't tend to think it would be too low. But I thought the e-brake only actives the rear drum brakes via the steal cable and the hydraulic brake system wouldn't come into play?

 

I promise we aren't making it up. Toyota wrote it down in the manual.

There is a sensor on the master cylinder.

 

I believe you, just didn't think that came into play here for the ebrake. Appreciate the advise, I'll check it in a little.

 

It's not like the parking brake lever is connected to the hydraulic system in any way- it's just a sensor to turn the light on when it's low. It also usually indicates that your pads are worn. As the pads wear down, the fluid drops.

 

I checked the brake fluid level, it is a couple millimeters above the low level. So could top it off, but not like it's very low.

 

Pads were replaced about a year ago, they have plenty of material on them still.

 

I have had this problem since I bought my 2003 in 2018, see if it aligns with your issue.

Can you push on the ebrake handle a little and the light goes out? Many here say it's frayed cable about to break, but in my case after replacing it it was not the case, the front cable was stretched ever so slightly.

There are two cables, they join right under the driver's seat at an intermediary lever and spring. On the rear cable where it goes into the intermediate lever there are two M8 couplers (long nuts) that if you can get them to come loose without breaking the end of the cable you can adjust them back a little. I put in a complete new rear cable because mine were so rusted it broke off the end of the cable.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/source-for-rear-cable-adjusting-nut-solved.790607

Even with a new rear cable and adjusted all the way back the ebrake light stayed on. I then replaced the front cable which looked more or less fine on removal but it must have been stretched, because the light went out and has stayed out since. I was then also able to adjust the couplers a little more forward.

If you are absolutely sure the ebrake is not engaging when released and don't want to go to the expense and work of replacing the cable (front one is a bit of a pain, but not bad) you can put a small piece of fuel hose over the perpendicular shaft that depresses the ebrake switch as I described here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/parking-brake-warning-light.791982/

Not really recommended but if you're sure, it will make the light go out.

 

Sounds low to me.