Parking brake light staying on
 

1992 SC, automatic.
So the other day I used the parking brake to park on a somewhat-steep incline. When I was ready to leave, I disengaged the parking brake, but then I noticed that the "brake" light on the dash didn't go off, and has been on ever since.
I've tried engaging and disengaging the parking brake a couple of times, but the light won't go away. It only goes away when I turn off the engine, but as soon as I start the car it comes back on and stays on the whole trip.
What could be the problem? And most importantly, What can I do about it?

Sounds to me like the switch is stuck. After years of dirt, spills and whatever else gets inside a console, I'm not surprised. I'd remove the console and after having purchased a can of CRC Electrical Contact Cleaner, disconnect the wire from the switch and clean the wiring harness and the connector on the switch. If that doesn't work, I'd replace the switch. Of course, I'm NOT a mechanic and don't know much about cars. Derf is our resident S series guru, so let's see what he says about it.

I looked at the schematic for the circuit that controls the brake telltale on the dash. It will lite in 2 situations:
a) The NO parking brake switch is closed (in an electrical and/or physical sense.
b) If the brake fluid in the reservoir above the brake master cylinder is low.

b) The easiest check is to pop the hood and see if your brake fluid is low.
If it is low, do NOT refill it to the normal level--only enough to safely drive the vehicle for now.
The fluid level naturally drops as the brakes wear with time. Or if there is a leak.
Pull each wheel and check pad thickness -- it may be time for a brake job.
When you do the brake job, spreading the caliper without opening the bleeder will raise the level in the reservoir.
Also investigate for leaks. A vehicle that old could have a rust through leak anywhere in the lines, not just at the fittings and the rubber portions.

a) If brakes and fluid do not seem to be the issue, remove the center console and locate where the switch is that closes and opens when the lever is pulled / released. clean or replace.

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'll check the break fluid, and if that looks okay, I'll check the switch. But I hope is just low fluid, because I'm not looking forward to removing the console. Done it before, no fun.

Fingers crossed that it's low fluid. I rarely get that lucky.

Oh, I forgot -- there is a low level sensor in the brake fluid reservoir itself.

Sorry for no updates.
I haven't got around to check yet - had too much other stuff to do.
I'll make time this weekend.

I checked today. Looks like the fluid is low, so I'll be going to NAPA to get some Dot 3.
I hope that fixes it.

Low fluid level also may indicate further work is needed. Fluid moves to the brake calipers as the brake pads wear. Fluid may also be leaking from various components that are not supposed to leak. Please investigate your brake system.

Yes, thanks. I was wondering why the fluid would go low. I don't remember it ever going low. When I add oil to the engine I usually look at the level. The last time was a couple of months ago.

Anyway, so today I added some Dot 3, and looked around for leaks, but can't see any looking from above. Still, there could be a leak somewhere I can't easily see (I can't get under the car).

Since I have a lot of Dot 3 left, and the fluid looks pretty dark, I'll be doing a "turkey baster swap" over the next few weeks. I don't drive a lot nowadays, so it may take more than four weeks.

But I hope that just adding fluid will get the brake warning light to go off. I'll find out the next time I drive it around. Crossing fingers.