Brake light comes on

[andrew22888]

Ok I have what could be a dumb question. When I hit my brakes my brake light on the dash comes on. Just like if I where to pull the e-brake. Is this normal. By the way it's 74 260. Just bought the car so I was not sure.

[grantf]

hu??? My brake light is on all the time really bugs me! now I am curious.

[andrew22888]

Since yours is on all the time I would check the wires to the e-brake. Make sure they are not grounding out or anything.

[ZCurves]

Ok I have what could be a dumb question. When I hit my brakes my brake light on the dash comes on. Just like if I where to pull the e-brake. Is this normal. By the way it's 74 260. Just bought the car so I was not sure.

This occurs when the brake fluid in the Master Cylinder drops too low. Generally, it means that your pads/linings are worn and need to be inspected and or replaced.

You should check your brakes for any signs of leakage especially the rear Brake Cylinders. If there are no leaks or worn out parts, then adjust the rear brakes and then bleed ALL of the fluid out and replace with fresh brake fluid.

IMPORTANT:

The brakes are the most important part of your car. Do not be cheap when replacing worn parts -they are not that expensive! No matter how nice your Z may be, it wont matter if you wrap it around something and hurt yourself...

[andrew22888]

Thanks it's a old car i'm just gonna replace everything. Rotors lines pads master cylinder. Hopefully it will fix it. It's an old car i'm the second owner first owner never took care of the car. Everything must be replaced sooner or later why not now. This will be continued in brakes and upgrades.

[mlc240z]

You are a very intelligent man!

I've done it and it's really not that expensive. Especially when you balance it against your life!

[Zed Head]

Ok I have what could be a dumb question. When I hit my brakes my brake light on the dash comes on. Just like if I where to pull the e-brake. Is this normal. By the way it's 74 260. Just bought the car so I was not sure.

It could be that your front or rear brakes are low on pressure. Either leaking or need bleeding. There is a valve that measures the balance between the front and rear systems and activates the dash brake light if the balance is off.

I had the same problem on my 76. Found out that a PO had put the front calipers on the wrong sides, making them impossible to bleed correctly. I could pump the brakes up while driving and make the light go off, but it would always come back.

Here is a page from the FSM describing the system.

74 260 Brake Page.doc

[andrew22888]

Just looked at my brake reservoir. And all my brake fluid is just like grease all thick and nasty. So I am replacing everything now no matter what just to be safe. I just got the car not even done going over it all yet but I only paid 250 for it and i'm the second owner so I figured I great deal especially for the condition.