Emeregncy brake light

The emergency brake light warning on the dash stays on, even thought the
emerg. brake is off. A new master cylinder was put in last year.
I've thought of either a blown light fuse, or low brake fluid level. Any
other ideas before I take it to the mechanic?
Thanks
loner

 

Sorry, neglected to say 1989 Honda Civic DX sedan, if it matters
loner

 

You are correct that a low brake fluid level will energize
the "brake warning light." Why don't you go under the hood
and check the level yourself? The reservoir is near the
firewall (= rear of the engine compartment), on the driver's
side, near the top. IIRC the reservoir cap is embossed with
words like 'Use only DOT 3 or 4 Brake Fluid,' among other
things. It has max and min lines marked on it.

Here's more info from a factory service manual for the same
year Civic CRX:
http://media.honda.co.uk/car/owner/media/manuals/CRXManual/62SH200/16-92.pdf

 

Hey Elle, thanks so much--especially where to look. As is probably obvious,
I ain't no mechanic !! Thanks for taking the time to answer-if I get stuck,
I'll be back!
loner

 

Maybe a stuck switch?
(Detects when the Emerg.Brake lever is pulled)
If the fuse were blown,the light would NOT come on.

 

Without people getting stuck, this group is nothing.

Hang in there, and learn something new. It's empowering.

 

New knowledge--Absolutely---after all these years (remember, it's a *1989*
Honda!!), maybe I'll start a new hobby....or even a career!!!
Thanks again Elle!
loner

 

Yes, Jim, I did read something about a switch, also about something under
the pedal--where should I look to check those things? (BTW, thanks about the
fuse)
loner

 

You should lurk and see all the folks (many auto technology
newbies, too) posting here driving Honda cars built c.

1989. I own a 91 Civic, 177k miles. I hope to take it to
250k, at least. Can't give up a car that gets 40+ mpg. Plus
I'm having too much "fun" maintaining it.

No problem, re the help.

Updates are welcome. Your experience will go in the archives
and maybe help someone else.

 

I think I will check in here...and my 1989 has only 62,000+ miles!!! (i
don't leave the house much-long boring medical story). 177 k wheww! But I
believe you'll get to 250--a friend with n Accord got there--twice!!
Take care
loner

 

Yours should make it. my 88's on over 220,000 miles, and its barely
been driven in the last year (in fact, its not been taxed or insured
since december)

Right now, it's in need of a new half axel (wife kept putting off
getting a CV joint fixed) but other than that its all good.

 

Yup, I've always kept up the maintenance, maybe a couple of big ticket items
here & there, and it's been fine. The body & interior--that's another story,
even though I got it painted, but that's my own laziness there
loner

 

I suspect the emergency brake switch would be mounted on or about the
emergency brake lever.
(in the center console?)

got a service manual for your model?

 

The point of it all, really. To perhaps be overly dramatic about it, you're
helping the world, in however small a way...

 

Hey, TeGGeR (can't do that "r" thing!) thanks! I 'm kind of new at this
usenet stuff, but I just might come here to visit, you've all been so nice,
I never thought I'd get to talk to so many people about something that I
thought was such a small problem!
loner

 

Yes, I do still have the manual, I'm looking at it now, but I haven't
noticed any kind of switch on or around the brake lever-yes it's in the
center console. I did kind of pound on it, raised it up & down a few times,
cause I thought there might be a short somewhere
I'll look for the switch tomorrow (too dark now). The manual only mentions
low fluid level, but I'll check all the things that have been mentioned. If
i find the swith & it is stuck, would it be obvious how to unstick it?
Thanks Jim
loner

 

OK, once you've looked at the fluid level;--- low add fluid. see if light
goes out.
----OK,
unplug the wires on the top of the brake reservoir. IF the light goes out
and the fluid is OK, then it is merely the level indicating system. If the
light does not go out then it is the switch for the parking brake handle.



--
Stephen W. Hansen
ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
ASE Automobile Advanced Engine Performance
ASE Undercar Specialist

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troubleshooting/l/bl_obd_main.htm
http://www.troublecodes.net/technical/
http://www.familycar.com/Alignment.htm

 

Hi Stephen, thanks--can you tell me where specifically the switch for the
parking brake handle is? And after unplugging the wires,& light goes out &
fluid is ok, leave them unplugged or plug back in & just live with the
warning light on?
Appreciate the info & links
loner

 

Also read that that screen in the master cylinder when you take
the cap off might cause the problem..Honda has a improved type.
I cant find the info about it . Tegger might help.