Brake light stuck on '94 Suburban

[SnowDrift]

That light on the dash that comes on when we set the parking brake has been on since we got a snow storm and pushed through deep snow in the driveway this winter. Which prongs do I put the paper clip in to check the brake codes stored in the computer?

 

[3500GMC]

Isn't there a plunger type switch on the pedal assembly? Or am I thinking too old school>..

 

[JiFaire]

Nope, you're right. There IS a switch on the assembly. What usually happens is the e-brake cable develops some tension in it due to getting clogged up, and the spring in the assembly can't pull it back properly... usually, you can tell if this is the problem by inspecting the assembly and lifting the pedal while pulling back onthe cable. If the light goes out, you found your culprit.

If so, clean the cable assemblies up and lube everything with white marine lube.

Did mine once and the problem never came back.

 

[SnowDrift]

Thanks. The light has been off and on when setting up the brake and releasing for a few years. I just thought it was odd that we hadn't set the brake this time and it came on immediately after pushing through deep snow in the driveway. Usually pulling up on the pedal made it shut off. I'll try looking at it again and will see if I can get some juice on it.

 

[SnowDrift]

I pulled up on the pedal a few times and the light went out

 

[btfarm]

Sounds like you got some snow up around the back of the brake backing plate that gave a tug on the cable to set the light and then with a sticky cable it just wouldn't unload all the way.

 

[SnowDrift]

You could be right.

She just ran over the 200,000 mile mark, too. I don't get too upset about stuff like that. Things are bound to happen in that much time.