Parking Break Light on 2000 T &C turns on intermittently

Hi All,
Recently, the parking brake light on my 2000 Chrysler Town and Country
started turning on intermittently even though the parking brake was
not set. The first time I noticed this, the parking brake had not been
set at all. In fact, the parking brake is rarely used. Any ideas on
what's causing this? Other than to indicate the parking brake is set,
is there any other function to this light, i.e. to check the brakes?
I'm unable to find my manual at this time so any info is greatly
appreciated!

Dan


Dan G.in CT

 

Yes, that's exactly its other purpose -- to check the brakes. More
specifically, if a lot more fluid is being directed to either the front
or the rear, the light comes on. This can be caused by a host of
problems, from drum brakes that aren't self-adjusting properly (did the
T&C still have drums in 2000?) to leaks in the brake lines. Get them
checked.

 

Doesn't the brake light also monitor the level in the master fluid
reservoir. I would check the brake fluid level.

Carl

 

I've never owned a car that monitored brake fluid level. Of course, if
it got *so* low that one end wasn't getting fluid, it would set it off.
But if the brake fluid level is low, you've got a leak.

 

As the brake pads wear down, the level of fluid in the reservoir will go
down. If that is what's causing the brake warning light to come on then you
probably are about due for new brake pads, so don't fill the reservoir all
the way up with fluid as you'll have to suck some out (or overflow it) when
the new pads are installed.

Pat

 

Yes, it goes down with pad wear -- but if it goes down that far, there's
another problem.

 

Not in my experience with a 2000 T&C van.

 

I bow to your experience.

 

Not always true. I have had cars with a very sensitive level sensor in the
master cylinder, my old PT Cruiser included. It just took a fractional drop
for the light to go on. The brakes were a bit more than half worn. The
fluid system was tight.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I took the van to my local Chrysler
service center who said the rear brake lines were in bad shape,
leaking and needed to be replaced. They did this as well as a needed
oil change. The total charge for the work on the brake lines with
$381, ouch! Whenever the van needs service, I consider taking it to an
independent auto service center but always end up taking it to
Chrysler. I'm disabled and my van is equipped with a wheelchair ramp
and it's important to me that I get the best service possible. Thing
is, when my friend drove the van today he said the brake pedal just
about went to the floor before the van would stop, so much for the
best service possible!

Does anyone know how much that type of work would cost at a
non-Chrysler auto service center?


Dan G.in CT

 

I'm having the same problem with my 2007 Caravan. I assume its because
of needing new brake pads because they told me I was down to 10% a few
months ago. Then last month they told me I was down to 3 millimeters.
I asked three out of what? and was told 12mm. That sounded like 25% to
me so I put the job off for awhile. I'm taking it in next week; my
dealer quoted over $500 for pads and rotors.

 

If money's tight just put on a new set of pads yourself, assuming your
brakes are otherwise stopping the car ok now.