Test G: Brake Warning Never/Always On
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis and 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Ensure brake fluid is at specified level in reservoir.
- Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Check indicators to determine if brake warning is never/always on. If warning is never on, go to next step. If warning is always on, go to step 5).
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect brake fluid level switch. Connect jumper from Purple/White wire at brake fluid level switch connector to ground. Turn ignition switch to RUN. If brake warning light illuminates, go to next step. If warning light remains off, go to step 4).
- Check continuity in Black wire from brake fluid level switch to ground, Purple/White wire from brake fluid level switch to ignition switch, and Tan/Light Green wire from brake fluid level switch to parking brake switch. If continuity is present, replace brake fluid level switch and retest system. If continuity is not present, repair open in circuit(s) as necessary and retest system.
- Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Remove instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disconnect cluster connector C250. Measure resistance of Purple/White wire between cluster connector C250, terminal No. 10 and brake fluid level switch. See Figure . If resistance is 5 ohms or less, replace brake warning bulb in instrument cluster and retest system. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, repair open Purple/White wire and retest system.
- Place transmission in Park. Release parking brake. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect brake fluid level switch connector. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. If brake warning light is illuminated, check Purple/White wire for short and retest system. If warning light does not illuminate, go to next step.
- Ensure parking brake switch is off, ignition switch is in OFF position, and brake fluid level is okay. measure resistance between ground and fluid level switch connector Black wire. If resistance is less than 10 k/ohms, replace brake fluid level switch and retest system. For a daylight running light concern (if equipped), go to DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS article. If resistance is more than 10 k/ohms, repair Black wire for short or damaged switches and retest system.