Brake Warning Indicator: Testing and Inspection
Brake Warning LampThe diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative brake warning lamp condition.
If the brake warning lamp stays ON with the ignition switch in the ON position and the parking brake released, refer to Brakes for diagnosis.
If no service brake or parking brake problem is found, the following procedure will help locate a short circuit or faulty switch.
1. Unplug the park brake switch connector.
Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The lamp should light.
Release the ignition switch to the ON position. The lamp should go OFF.
If OK, go to Step 10.
If not OK, go to Step 2.
2. Unplug the brake warning lamp switch connector.
Install a jumper wire between the two cavities of the connector.
Turn the ignition switch to the START position. The lamp should light.
Remove the jumper wire and the lamp should go OFF.
If OK, replace the faulty brake warning switch.
If not OK, remove the jumper wire and go to Step 3.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
Install a jumper wire between the brake warning lamp driver circuit (lamp side) cavity of the brake warning lamp switch connector and a good ground. The lamp should light.
If OK, go to Step 5.
If not OK, go to Step 4.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
Remove the jumper wire and disconnect the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument cluster bezel and cluster assembly, but do not unplug the cluster connectors. Service and Repair
Install a jumper wire between the brake warning lamp driver circuit cavity of the cluster telltale connector and a good ground.
Connect the battery negative cable and turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The lamp should light.
If OK, repair the open circuit to the brake warning lamp switch.
If not OK, replace the faulty bulb.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and remove the jumper wire.
Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Check for continuity between the brake warning lamp driver circuit (ignition switch side) cavity of the brake warning lamp switch connector and a good ground with the ignition switch in the START position. There should be continuity.
If not OK go to Step 6.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and disconnect the battery negative cable.
Unplug the ignition switch connector.
Check for continuity between the brake warning lamp driver circuit cavity of the ignition switch connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity.
If OK, go to Step 7.
If not OK, repair the short circuit to the brake warning lamp switch as required.
7. Check for continuity between the brake warning lamp driver circuit cavities of the ignition switch connector and the brake warning lamp switch connector (ignition switch side). There should be continuity.
If OK, go to Step 8.
If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
8. Check for continuity between the metal steering column jacket and a good ground. There should be continuity.
If OK, go to Step 9.
If not OK, check the steering column ground clip installation.
9. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and hold.
Check for continuity between the brake warning lamp driver circuit terminal of the ignition switch and a good ground. There should be continuity.
If not OK, replace the faulty ignition switch.
10. Unplug the brake warning lamp switch connector.
Check for continuity between the park brake switch connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity.
If OK, go to Step 11.
If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.
11. Check for continuity between the park brake switch connector and the brake warning lamp driver circuit (lamp side) cavity of the brake warning lamp switch connector. There should be continuity.
If OK, replace the faulty park brake switch.
If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.