kdillman

Our 90 Legend wasn't driven much for about 3-4 months and when I drove it again, the dashboard brake light would not go off. After driving a short distance, the ABS light comes on. I've checked the fluid, brake pads and ensured the hand/parking brake was not locking, but I can't get the brake light to turn off.

Please help! Thanks!!

 

KAHruzer

The Brake Light Switch in the console is probably stuck. The one associated with the emergency brake handle. 20-year old cars get corroded contacts and then when it sits awhile tend to meld in place.

It's a small pushbutton type switch (plunger) who's action coordinates with the motion of the emergency brake handle and bears on a pad attached to the brake arm. You can get to it via the flat surround around the shift handle by first sliding it straight back about half to 3/4", then lift it straight up. There are four spring metal clips holding it down, so it will take some force, especially if there's any rusting at all. Be firm, treat it as a unit, pry one end up a bit, then the other. It will have to lift about an inch before it disengages.

It's extremely easy to break this piece, so be real careful. Also, don't pry around the shifter hole or you'll ruin the edge. Use something flat, like a putty knife.

From there, you may not be able to see the switch, but it's under the back edge of the opening. Follow the brake handle with your finger until you find the switch pad on the brake arm. From there, you should be able to determine the switch. Try to exercise it if possible. It'll be stuck in the fully plunged position, even with the brake arm released. That's what's keeping the light on. It's a small (1/2" cubed) white nylon box with about a 1/8" rod sticking up on the pad side.

If this doesn't work, you'll have to remove the entire console to get to it.

BTW, the Brake Light will automatically disable the ABS after 30-seconds if the car is being driven when that light is on. That's why the ABS light comes on. It thinks the emergency brake is still applied, or there's a brake system failure.

It won't light again after you fix the brake light switch issue.

UPDATE: 05-11
I looked at mine today since I happened to have the shifter surround off at the moment. I don't think you're going to be able to do this without removing the entire console.

Remember, when removing the entire console, it comes off as ONE piece. Otherwise, the middle connection gets broken up pretty bad. That's the one with the metal cross piece exposed when the shifter surround is removed. Also, leave the side screws in place at the mid-joint on the sides (2).

You'll have to remove that metal cross piece to get the brake handle out. I'd recommend leaving it for last. Be sure you find all the screws. Two along the top edge above the AC controls, two under the Change Box (or whatever it's called) below the ashtray, part of the shifter surround. Two at the INSIDE front of the armrest compartment. Two on either side of the front and two on either side of the rear.

Think that's all of 'em. Don't force things. Be patient. There's also the Change Box light cable which has to be unpluged near the front right.

It's really not that hard once you've done it the first time. But, the first time can be painful.

__________________
Stock 1987 Legend LS Coupe 180k (11/07)