Hanginten24

So I go to leave work today, noticed my E-brake light was on but not engaged, double checked by releasing it, and the light would not shut off... I engaged and disengaged the E-brake pedal and the light still stayed the same, but it spontaneously shut off on my ride home, even tho it actually really felt partially engaged... Not sure what to do bc I work the next 5 days, anything I can do in the mean time? Super pissed about having to deal with this after a ****ty day at work

Hanginten24

Oh yeah, and the light spontaneously came back on driving home as well

nrivera04

Check your brake fluid... Low brake fluid will also make that light come on as well. May be time for some new brakes.

graywolf

...Bet there is a switch that is stuck. Look for one that senses movement in the E-brake where you press it with the foot. If it is the switch, the truck will still roll on level ground with the E-brake off. You will really know if the brake is still engaged. Does not sound like anything serious.

Hanginten24

Okay cool... So look for some kind of switch by the E-brake pedal itself? Or look for something by the cable along the frame? I def noticed that even when the light switches off that it still seemed to drag along a little, not sure what else to do besides look at my fluid levels to see if my pads are wearin thin and usin up my fluid to advance the rotor further as mentioned by nrivera04...

Hanginten24

I know that's a different issue of the brakes itself than the E-brake, but still just spitballin here..

FordTech413

I had the same problem and what I did what I held the lever that says brake and then without letting go pull the e brake up (to the off position). Hope this helps

graywolf

Yes, make sure the brake pedal spring return is strong enough to fully retract the brake. And I feel certain the E-brake switch would be mounted onto the E-brake pedal assembly such that it will detect movement of the assembly. See if you have wires leading to the E-brake assembly and follow them to the switch .

graywolf

Okay...I finally just looked at my 2008 E-brake assy. There is a rubber stop on the metal just above the foot pedal that pushes in a switch when the pedal is released and retracts. If you watch as you release the E-brake, you can see this happen.

Make sure the switch works by setting the E-brake.
Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine). Then the E-brake light should be on.

As you look at the E-brake indicator light on the instrument panel, push in the rod that extends from the switch. The light should go off and on as you push it.
You should be able to determine if the switch or the E-brake isn't fully retracting.

Glauc27

I do the same thing. It doesn't come back on while I'm driving, though. I didn't see it worth fixing when I can use my foot instead of a mechanic, ha!