Weird parking brake problem(s), one fixed so far

EasyRhino · 06-09-2011, 02:01 AM

This is not related to the rear pads, I replaced the OEM pads about 12K miles ago.

A few months ago, the parking brake warning light began operating erratically when the parking brake was off. Initially I could diddle with the pedal in the up position and it would go off. Lately, that quit working.

I assumed that the parking brake release switch had failed; however, when I looked up under the dash and operated the switch by hand, it was fine.

An inspection of the brake pedal level revealed that the problem was a failed rubber snubber - the part that contacts the switch. This bumper was split and barely holding on, and was so deteriorated that it would not clear the light.

It just snaps into the pedal arm/lever.

Ford does not sell the part separate from the pedal assembly (over $200), so I bought a rubber bumper at the auto parts store that I think I can adapt.

However, now my pedal is stuck in the 'up' position and will not go down.

Anybody seen this problem? It seems that removing the rubber bumper allows the pedal to rotate upwards too far.

n5aor · 07-03-2012, 01:32 AM

I got the same problem...! What was the fix???

greg

06-09-2011, 02:01 AM	#1
EasyRhino Wannabe Elite Explorer Kailua, Hawai'i '02 Limited 4.6L 4x4 Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 1,022 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Weird parking brake problem(s), one fixed so far This is not related to the rear pads, I replaced the OEM pads about 12K miles ago. A few months ago, the parking brake warning light began operating erratically when the parking brake was off. Initially I could diddle with the pedal in the up position and it would go off. Lately, that quit working. I assumed that the parking brake release switch had failed; however, when I looked up under the dash and operated the switch by hand, it was fine. An inspection of the brake pedal level revealed that the problem was a failed rubber snubber - the part that contacts the switch. This bumper was split and barely holding on, and was so deteriorated that it would not clear the light. It just snaps into the pedal arm/lever. Ford does not sell the part separate from the pedal assembly (over $200), so I bought a rubber bumper at the auto parts store that I think I can adapt. However, now my pedal is stuck in the 'up' position and will not go down. Anybody seen this problem? It seems that removing the rubber bumper allows the pedal to rotate upwards too far. __________________ Wife's: '02 Limited 4.6L/4x4 Mine: '04 Mustang GT Vert, 2006 C6 Corvette Coupe

07-03-2012, 01:32 AM	#2
n5aor Wannabe Elite Explorer Lewisville, TX 2002 XLT Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	I got the same problem...! What was the fix??? greg