jls667

Sometimes when i turn on the car, the parking brake is on. I even hear a warning signal. All I do is pull the parking brake release and go on my way. The question is why does this happen even when I am not using the parking brake?

thellmer

Mine does this at times too - seems to be a common issue as others have posted this same question numerous times in the past. I find that actually applying the parking brake then releasing it a few times over and over will fix the issue for a few weeks - sometimes a month or two. I figure the switch above the brake need cleaned internally or is slightly mis-adjusted so it thinks the brake is on.

jls667

Good to know. I will try your trick immediately to avoid having the issue for a bit. I realize this is a small issue. Thank you.

StanVanDam

I always use my parking brake, so it's not a matter of it being unused. These cars are just getting old, my 20 years since in-service date is coming up next month.

Once in awhile, my light will stay on after releasing the park brake. So far, it is always fixable by pulling the handle multiple times and/or by kicking the parking brake footpedal once (after the brake has been released).

thellmer

Agreed. Mine has done this occasionally/often and incidentally for years and doesn't seem to be any better or worse now than 15 years ago, but still is just something you get used to. I figure it is either a design flaw in the switch or some inherent oxidation issue on the contacts that could be fixed with a new switch, or just something learned to live with - which I have done. I never use the parking brake - it's pretty flat here in Brooklyn. But I figure this is simply a switch itself defect, now 20 years old, and not a big deal. Incidentally mine hasn't come on in over 2 weeks...however you never know when it might come on tomorrow and never stop for 2 months.