Brake Warning Indicator: Description and Operation

The "BRAKE" Indicator, when lit, alerts the driver to two possible conditions: 1) the parking brake is applied 2) there is insufficient brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir.

When the IGNITION SWITCH is in "ON," BULB TEST or "START," voltage is applied through the IG Fuse and "BRAKE" Indicator to the PARKING BRAKE SWITCH and the BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH (USA). Voltage is applied through the IG Fuse and the "BRAKE" Indicator to the BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH and the DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DRL) CONTROLLER (Canada). When one or both of the switches are closed, a path to ground is completed and the "BRAKE" Indicator lights. The BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SWITCH closes when the level of brake fluid in the brake fluid reservoir is low. The PARKING BRAKE SWITCH closes whenever the parking brake is applied.

The "BRAKE" Indicator circuit is tested whenever the IGNITION SWITCH is in the BULB TEST or "START" position. In these instances, the "BRAKE" Indicator is grounded through the IGNITION SWITCH to G203.