Standard Brake System

The BRAKE indicator is located in the instrument cluster. The BRAKE indicator will illuminate to warn the driver of conditions in the brake system (base braking) which may result in reduced braking capability. It will also illuminate when the parking brake is applied or not fully released. Conditions which turn on the BRAKE indicator include the following:

1. Parking brake is not fully released. If the parking brake is applied or the lever is not fully released, the switch on the parking brake lever assembly will ground the BRAKE indicator circuit and cause it to illuminate.
2. Low brake fluid level. If the brake fluid level drops in the master cylinder reservoir, the fluid level sensor will ground the BRAKE indicator circuit causing the BRAKE indicator to illuminate.
3. During engine cranking the BRAKE indicator should remain on. This notifies the driver that the warning circuit is operating properly.

Important:
^ Illumination of the BRAKE indicator may indicate reduced braking ability.
^ If the BRAKE indicator lights, the brake fluid level is normal and the parking brake circuit is functioning properly; then a malfunction with the braking system exists, refer to Diagnosis.
^ On vehicles equipped with Antilock Brake System (ABS), the BRAKE indicator will also alert the driver if an ABS system malfunction has affected the base brake system operation.