FAILED INSPECTION!!! NEED HELP FIXING BRAKE LIGHT!!!

[newtek007]

Understandable

That is very understandable. The way I looked at it though is my first priority is to get the truck legal in the inspector's. I know that there isn't anything unsafe about the stupid light coming on for 2 seconds, so If all he wants to see is lights come... well then that's EXACTLY was he will see. He never told me HOW to get it done. It still bites though that the light will not come on for whatever reason.
Thanks again.

 

[DeRocha]

I Stumbled across this old thread and was wondering if a resolution to the brake problem was every found, or were the warning lights left jumped?

 

[newtek007]

Reply

I Stumbled across this old thread and was wondering if a resolution to the brake problem was every found, or were the warning lights left jumped?

The problem was that there wasn't any problem at all. It was the inspector that thought the light was supposed to come on. I checked around and found out that the light never came on in the manner he wanted on the 91 to 94's.

 

[DeRocha]

Thats good to know..Thanks for the info

 

[MTexplorer]

Getting back to the original problem, I have the same problem with my 2000 XLS. The BRAKE light correctly indicates the parking brake setting, so the light is working. However, the BRAKE light does not come on when the key is turned to ON (if the parking brake is not set). The book says that the light is to come on, but it does not. The dealer seems to not understand the problem. I assume the light is to come on to test the circuit and its failure to come on indicates that something in wrong in the brake fluid level sensor circuit?

 

[tenikiwon]

It's my turn with the VA inspector people

My problem is slightly different and IS a problem... to some people.

My ABS light is ON... all the time... and I know my ABS is not working as I can lockup a tire. I think it's just a sensor.

Hopefully this week I'm going to disco the lamp and take it in, if they complain, I'll jump it.

But... as I don't particualily like to have non-functional stuff on my truck I'm wondering where to start. Last time I was at Autozone I asked for a speed-senor, I know the front is in the hub and those were replaced last year. I know there is on in the T-case (this is the one Autozone gave me) but I think that's for the Speedo and I found is so I'm wondering why they didn't ask for the gear ratio. From reading this thread, sounds like there is one on the 8.8 in the rear, is it called something other than a speed sensor?

Anyone have other suggestions before I to crawl around and get dirty. If it's as easy as a sensor, I guess it would make more sense to fix it rather than tear the cluster out and fake it.

 

[gijoecam]

The place to start is having the system scanned by (I hat saying this) a dealership. It'll pinpoint the problem in a matter of minutes. The most common culprit is the rear axle speed sensor, but there's no guarantees without the ABS trouble code that's been stored. The dealership is the only place I know of that can scan them... some of your better independent shops may be able to or may not, but I wouldn't let anyone start throwing parts at it without a definitive diagnosis.

 

[tenikiwon]

The place to start is having the system scanned by (I hat saying this) a dealership. It'll pinpoint the problem in a matter of minutes. The most common culprit is the rear axle speed sensor, but there's no guarantees without the ABS trouble code that's been stored. The dealership is the only place I know of that can scan them... some of your better independent shops may be able to or may not, but I wouldn't let anyone start throwing parts at it without a definitive diagnosis.

Does the ABS system throw different codes than what show up with the regular Check Engine Light scanning? It must.

 

[DeRocha]

Anyone have other suggestions before I to crawl around and get dirty. If it's as easy as a sensor, I guess it would make more sense to fix it rather than tear the cluster out and fake it.

I would 1st check to see if an ABS light is cause for failure.. In many states and where I live its not an inspection item they can fail you for. You are only required to have standard brakes and your E-brake in working order. ABS is an optional device to enhance braking control and not required.

 

[gijoecam]

Does the ABS system throw different codes than what show up with the regular Check Engine Light scanning? It must.

Correct... ABS codes are stored in the GEM. Your basic scanner from AutoZone can read the PCM codes, not the GEM codes.

-Joe

 

[tenikiwon]

I would 1st check to see if an ABS light is cause for failure.. In many states and where I live its not an inspection item they can fail you for. You are only required to have standard brakes and your E-brake in working order. ABS is an optional device to enhance braking control and not required.

I call a local shop and they said yes, this is also a place that I've seen let some stuff fly.

 

[DeRocha]

I call a local shop and they said yes, this is also a place that I've seen let some stuff fly.

I would call the RMV and get it straight...

 

[bam_bam1ca]

Newtek007, you might want to take a look at the DRL module (daytime running lights). The brake warning light functions go through this module (if installed) or through a shorting plug on the harness that would go to the module if it is not installed. The wiring harness and connector are located on the right hand frame rail near the front bumper. It is in an area prone to corrosion, so you might take a quick look at the contacts in this area, or the module (if installed).