'01 Tacoma, 148k miles - just within the past week the parking brake light in my instrument cluster will come on while driving; it is the only electrical "gremlin" I've seen so far (original owner). Clearly the brake is not on (manual tranny, so I never set the brake), but must have a loose connection somewhere? Any thoughts on input on troubleshooting?
Parking Brake light on dash comes on sporadically - '01 Tacoma
- Thread starter srogers
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- Thread starter
- #2
FYI - found this while poking around online, going to give it a try but wanted to share for other users
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/44039-emergency-brake-fix.html
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/44039-emergency-brake-fix.html
After making sure your brakes are all in proper working condition, AND checking/adjusting the E-brake, if it STILL does it, and you cant find any thing obvious, check the sensor on the side of the reservoir. The intermittent "flashing", and short duration of the light coming on, usually only while in motion, and especially hitting bumps, going around corners, or up down slopes, is a good indication its probably the sensor.
I had this problem with my 99 Taco. Checked everything, and it turned out to be a bad float switch on the side of the brake reservoir. It is what triggers the idiot light when the fluid level in the reservoir gets low. IIRC, a new one was pretty pricey, and I didnt feel like spending the money at the time, so I just ran it unplugged...No more annoying idiot light. You just have to make sure you check your brakes and fluid more often, as well as remembering to dis-engage your E-brake. (I often forgot that part, and the idiot light was no help, as who really looks at all their ID-Ten-Tee lights before taking off after startup, anyway...??)
I had this problem with my 99 Taco. Checked everything, and it turned out to be a bad float switch on the side of the brake reservoir. It is what triggers the idiot light when the fluid level in the reservoir gets low. IIRC, a new one was pretty pricey, and I didnt feel like spending the money at the time, so I just ran it unplugged...No more annoying idiot light. You just have to make sure you check your brakes and fluid more often, as well as remembering to dis-engage your E-brake. (I often forgot that part, and the idiot light was no help, as who really looks at all their ID-Ten-Tee lights before taking off after startup, anyway...??)
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks for the response Cracker.
For a follow up - the brake fluid reservoir was right at the "MIN" line; topped off with DOT3 brake fluid to the "MAX" line. I've been driving the past several days, roughly 150 miles, and haven't had the light come on since.
I'll see if that resolves the issue
For a follow up - the brake fluid reservoir was right at the "MIN" line; topped off with DOT3 brake fluid to the "MAX" line. I've been driving the past several days, roughly 150 miles, and haven't had the light come on since.
I'll see if that resolves the issue
I believe you have found your culprit. I had a similar issue in one of my rigs a while back. MIN level means anytime you slow or speed up or turn a certain way the sensor gets a low level and turns on.
kz195688
SILVER Star
Yes, had the same problem. Also TTORA is a good resource for tacomas. The parking brake cable may also need adjusting but i believe you resolved your issue. Be safe.
So if your brake fluid was that low that means you need to check your front brakes. Those are directly linked low brake fluid almost always means low front brake pads.also when you go to do your brakes I bet that your reservoir will overflow.
