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Red "brake" light always on

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JohnPal

Freshman Member
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Red "brake" light always on

1992 Vandenplas.

Red "brake" light on dashboard stays on. Amber "anti-lock" light goes off normally after a while.

Brake pads are good.

Ideas?

Thanks.
 
Re: Red "brake" light always on

Not sure on a 92, but on a 590-69 MK2, it's dual mode.....either the e-brake switch isn't all the way in or the fluid is low, the second part can be compounded by a sunk float.
I am guessing there is a fluid level sensor in the reservoir of the brake master cylinder.
FIRST, check the fluid level.
If okay, find and unplug the sensor for a test.
If the light stays out, and fluid is full, the sensor is bad.
If that doesn't do it, check the e-brake by locating and unplugging the switch.
If THAT doesn't do it, a differential proportioning valve may be the culprit.
If you lost pressure in eithr front or back system at any point and the shuttle stuck over....find the valve, "H" shaped with a single-wire switch in the middle. Unplug it and try that.
 
Re: Red "brake" light always on

Switch the key to on, not running, then press the button that says VCM to the right of the steering wheel. Report back what is then displayed in the box where the opometer usually displays.
 
Re: Red "brake" light always on

Sorry it took so long to respond. There is no code, it simply reads "fail".

The brake fluid level is good.

Last time I had the brake pads replaced, my mechanic mentioned that the break pad wear sensor was damaged so he discarded it. In other words, there is no sensor in the front.

Way back when the vehicle was still under warranty, the red brake light would go on randomly, the dealer replaced the sensor that's under the accumulator.
 
Re: Red "brake" light always on

If it says fail, it is likely a pressure problem. When you turn the key on, do you hear the pump run? (right side, in front of windshield? Check the connector on the really expensive switch by the accumulator/pump motor... Look inside the rubber boot at the connector for broken wires too Could also BE the switch...
 
Re: Red "brake" light always on

I think that the key is that the disk pad wear sensor was discarded. If the sensor was connected to a harness to the ABS module, the fact that it has been disconnected and removed is a key to your problem. P/N JA-DBC6596 can be obtained through XKs Unlimited.
 
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