Red Brake Warning Lamp

DESCRIPTION
The red BRAKE warning lamp is located in the instrument cluster and is used to indicate the loss of pressure in the brake hydraulic system or that the parking brake is applied.

OPERATION
The red BRAKE warning lamp is used to indicate the loss of pressure in the brake hydraulic system or that the parking brake is applied. In addition, the brake warning lamp is turned on as a bulb check by the ignition switch when the ignition switch is placed in the crank position. Problems with this system will generally be of the type where the warning lamp fails to turn on when it should, or remains on when it should not.

The warning lamp bulb is supplied a 12-volt ignition feed anytime the lock cylinder (key) is in the on position. The bulb is then illuminated by completing the ground circuit either through the park brake switch, the brake warning lamp switch, or the ignition switch when it is in the crank position.

The brake warning switch is located in the combination valve. The purpose of the switch is to indicate to the driver that there is a loss of pressure in the hydraulic system of the vehicle's brakes. This loss of hydraulic pressure can be the result of low brake fluid level or a leak in the brake hydraulic system. Refer to Combination Valve for additional information.

NOTE: If brake fluid level has dropped in master cylinder fluid reservoir, the entire brake hydraulic system must be checked for evidence of a leak.