Brake Warning Indicator

The BRAKE warning indicator in the instrument cluster illuminates to warn the driver of conditions in the brake system which may result in reduced braking ability. It also illuminates when the parking brake is applied or not fully released. Conditions which turn on the BRAKE warning indicator include the following:
- The parking brake lever is not fully released: The parking brake indicator switch located on the parking brake lever will ground the BRAKE warning indicator circuit and cause the indicator to turn on if the parking brake lever is applied or not fully released.
- The brake fluid level within the master cylinder reservoir drops below a safe level. The master cylinder reservoir contains a fluid level warning switch which senses when the brake fluid level in the reservoir drops below a predetermined level. The fluid level warning switch will ground the BRAKE warning indicator circuit and turn on the indicator when a low brake fluid level is detected. This low fluid level may be caused by air intrusion in one of the hydraulic circuits or may be caused by a leak in one of the hydraulic circuits. The BRAKE warning indicator will stay illuminated until the condition has been repaired. Refer to Warning Systems in Hydraulic Brakes for more information.
- The instrument panel bulb check: The BRAKE warning indicator turns on for approximately 3 seconds and then turns off when the ignition switch is first turned to the RUN position. The BRAKE warning indicator remains off with the ignition switch in the RUN position.