Brake light in speedo?

[JK240Z]

Hi, does anyone know when the little red light in the speedo gauge that says "brake" on it lights up.

Should it be linked to the handbrake or is it just a brake warning light. Just mine has never lit up and wondered if I needed to look behind the gauge at changing the bulb or checking the wiring to the handbrake.

Thanks

[Powderkeg]

The handbrake has a white plastic contact underneath the handle. Check the wire and all connections. The red brake light should come on when the handle is engaged.

Dave Ruiz

[d240zx2]

Two purposes: It reminds you when your hand brake is engaged. It tells you when your brake fluid is gone bye-bye.

[JK240Z]

Thanks Guys, love that clock in your avi by the way Dave...

[Powderkeg]

JK

Thanks! Ron At Zclocks did a fantastic job rebuilding it.

Did you get your brake problem solved?

Dave

[JK240Z]

Not yet, but at least I know what I m doing now

JK

[shortystowing]

My daughter's 76 has the opposite problem... the light wont go out. I unplugged the wire feeding to the handbrake switch and it stays lit. What else can be done?

[Powderkeg]

Shorty,

Check the level of your brake fluid.

Dave

[emptech]

Kind of late on this one but nobody has mentioned the proportioning switch. The

proportioning switch is under the hood, most obvious because it has lots of brake

lines going to and from. There is a wire attached to the middle of the switch. It

triggers by a differential of pressure between the front brake system and the rear,

when the piston travels from the middle position, it turns on your brake warning

light, same as the handbrake light. To test for this, pull the wire from the switch,

if the light goes out, that's the problem. If the brake pressure problem has been

fixed, the switch will either have to be manually reset or replaced.

Jim

[Zed Head]

Pretty sure that's not the proportioning valve. It's only purpose is to show a failing brake system, by pressure differential between front and back. The proportioning valve is in a different location and does not have an electrical switch inside.

You're right though, that is could be a source of brake light problems. I don't think it needs replacing if it's triggered though, it automatically re-centers itself when the pressure differential is fixed.

The brake check warning lamp relay under the passenger seat could be involved in a brake light problem also.

[emptech]

To determine if it is the switch, pull the wire from the connector, if the light goes out, bingo.

I've heard they don't always reset, but your mileage may vary.

Jim

[Bruce Palmer]

But it more than likely means your are driving around without your front or rear brakes......