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E-BRAKE problem...

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Posted by: SC_Steve

for some reason while driving the car my e-brake keeps turning on randomly. Not sure why. I've had cars before, where the ebrake lever was loose and would fall slightly and trigger the light. I checked that in my Mark VIII and it's tight as can be. I tried turning the e-brake on and off and still didn't make a difference. A while back (maybe a month or two ago) while driving up a hill, my tires let go and started slipping. That's the first time I've ever see it go off like that and didn't happen again until recently. It happens all the time though... doesnt matter if I'm parked, driving, in reverse, ect...

something else I noticed that may lead to some clues... if I'm driving and the e-brake light comes on, I very lightly tap my brake and it will make the light go off. Sometimes for good, sometimes it will only stay off until I let off the brake pedal again.

any ideas? this thing is giving me a headache lately, yet I'm going thru withdrawl not driving it... I feel bad just letting it sit

Posted by: Sifrino3

I have had that problem with the M7. It ended up being a brake problem.

Posted by: JoshMcMadMac

I am not sure how severe this issue is from what you've said. What light is it that comes on? If it is the red "BRAKE" light, then I doubt the culprit is the parking brake. Is there a noticable change in driving characteristics when the light comes on? I would start by doing the simply and free steps first. Check the brake fluid. Check the relay. Pump the brake with the key in the "ON" position, and listen for a buzzing noise. Count the number of pumps it takes before you hear the noise. Also, check for loose or bad connections for the ABS.

Posted by: Jibit

Is it the just the light that is the problem? I believe that most cars have a switch behind the e-brake so that when they are depressed it triggers the switch and the light comes on. I'm not sure about the 8 though. I've had similar problems in the past with other cars and would just press the e-brake in a couple of times and release it because the switch was seizing.

Posted by: SC_Steve

when I get home from work today, I'm going to take a look at it. I'll post my results and see if I can't be a little more specific.

I appreciate the suggestions guys. The last time I drove the car was atleast 2 weeks ago so I'll try it again and maybe even shoot some video of what it's doing to try and give you a better clue.

again, thanks alot
-Steve

Posted by: driller

I believe the brake warning light that comes on with the emergency brake is the same light that is illuminated when the brake fluid reservoir is low. If it seems to come on during cornering or other high G-force maneuvers, it is most likely an indication of low brake fluid. This usually means the brake pads are worn unless there is a fluid leak somewhere.

Posted by: jdlmkviii

yeah, I've been having slightly the same problem lately. The light just comes on if I make a REALLY tight turn going pretty fast, but that's about it.

Posted by: driller

Quote:

Originally Posted by driller

I believe the brake warning light that comes on with the emergency brake is the same light that is illuminated when the brake fluid reservoir is low. If it seems to come on during cornering or other high G-force maneuvers, it is most likely an indication of low brake fluid. This usually means the brake pads are worn unless there is a fluid leak somewhere.

BTW - I think this is only pertinent to Gen1('93-'96).

Posted by: ERIC1

Quote:

Originally Posted by driller

BTW - I think this is only pertinent to Gen1('93-'96).

you need brakes its the trigger in the resevoir telling you the fluid is low
if you look in the resevoir youll see the rubber piece is probably extended. check it out.
Eric

Posted by: SC_Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdlmkviii

yeah, I've been having slightly the same problem lately. The light just comes on if I make a REALLY tight turn going pretty fast, but that's about it.

that's how mine started (minus the wheel slipping thing)... it (if it's the same thing) will get worse in the next few weeks.

thanks guys.

just something to share though. I tried doing the test thing (pumping the brakes with the key "on") and it made the problem go away for the rest of the day. The following day though the light was back on

the brakes do need to be changed. I was going to do it over the weekend but didn't get around to it. This weekend I'll give it a shot.

thanks alot guys,
-Steve

Posted by: MrWilson

well i say you better stop driving like burt reynolds!

Posted by: SC_Steve

hahaha, yeah I have it fixed now (should have posted that).

just turnsout that my rear brakes were worn down pretty good and was letting the fluid drop slightly. I installed new rear discs and pads and problem solved