Dash brake light - Not the regular question

[Big Blue 72]

I understand the little red brake light on the left side of the dash is a system warning light and not an emergency brake warning light.

I have a question though. Other than on initial start-up, has ANYONE out ever had that light come on?

If it's basically a warning light that's never likely to come on I was thinking of disconnecting it and making a switch so that it would indicate when the emergency brake was applied. I'm thinking I'd get more use out of that way......at least right up until my brakes failed....

[forrestbump]

If it's basically a warning light that's never likely to come on I was thinking of disconnecting it and making a switch so that it would indicate when the emergency brake was applied.

That light is connected to your brake system distribution block. It's purpose is to warn you if there is an unequal distribution of brake fluid from the front of the system (your front brakes) or rear of the system (your rear brakes).

The choice is yours... as long as you keep an eye on your master cylinders fluid level you should be OK.

If your light works properly, consider yourself in the minority here as most of us have only faint memories of that light working.

[stover]

I also considered using the brake light for a e brake warning light. But I ended up using it for an electric fan in operation light. Works well. My electric fan rarely comes on but the weather has been cool (at least cool for CA). We will see how often the fan comes on when the temp hits 105.

[ScreaminZ]

I have a question though. Other than on initial start-up, has ANYONE out ever had that light come on?

I've had it come on a couple times. Most recently, it was due to my master cylinder going bad. Fluid levels were still full, never been low, but something happened internally that caused the master cylinder to quit sending pressure to the rear brakes. When the light came on, I tried bleeding all the brakes, but got absolutely nothing from the rear. Tried bench bleeding and everything. I ended up replacing the master cylinder and the light went out on its own. It's a very handy light to have!

[1972hiboy]

I understand the little red brake light on the left side of the dash is a system warning light and not an emergency brake warning light.

I have a question though. Other than on initial start-up, has ANYONE out ever had that light come on?

If it's basically a warning light that's never likely to come on I was thinking of disconnecting it and making a switch so that it would indicate when the emergency brake was applied. I'm thinking I'd get more use out of that way......at least right up until my brakes failed....

Its sapposed to come on when you first start the truck??? My master went out last year and sure engouht the light came on but it hasnt come on since nor before that time.

[fordman]

i wouldnt disconnect it.

[ScreaminZ]

Its sapposed to come on when you first start the truck??? My master went out last year and sure engouht the light came on but it hasnt come on since nor before that time.

I don't think so. The only time mine's ever come on is when there's been brake problems.

[68SPECIAL]

I need a light buld for mine and cannot find them anywhere? help?

[Big Blue 72]

Thanks. After thinking it over I don't think I'll be disconnecting it. Sounds like it's more useful than I'm giving it credit for. I can come up with an alternate plan for an e-brake light.

Thanks

[91Bear]

I need a light buld for mine and cannot find them anywhere? help?

It's a 1445. I bought one at AutoZone.

[ScreaminZ]

Thanks. After thinking it over I don't think I'll be disconnecting it. Sounds like it's more useful than I'm giving it credit for. I can come up with an alternate plan for an e-brake light.

I see no reason you can't use it for both like many other vehicles do. You can just run another switch in parallel with the current one. That way either one can turn the light on.

[ForingaMex]

I'm going to hook up my light for triple duty. The original duty, plus the E-brake plus I have a newer master on my truck with a brake fluid level switch so I'm going to hook the light up to that as well.

[fitzwell]

Thanks. After thinking it over I don't think I'll be disconnecting it. Sounds like it's more useful than I'm giving it credit for. I can come up with an alternate plan for an e-brake light.

Thanks

check the wire going down to combination valve from the light. If It's a ground signal, you should be able to get some sort of pin switch & fab up a bracket on the e-brake to mount said switch. Make sure it grounds when the e-brake is applied & splice into the signal wire from the combo valve.

as always,

[Big Blue 72]

Thanks!

[mk]

Check out this thread...

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =8&t=37253


mike