96ss2283

Red brake light in dash came on and is staying on.
Searched the boards first and found little that I could check.
I did check the reservoir and it is full of fluid.
My manual states,"serves as the normal brake system warning lamp. It warns of conditions which can affect the normal or service brakes on the vehicle. The red lamp will illuminate for low fluid level [checked and not the case], parking brake ON, system pressure differential too great [I have no clue here] and other similar conditions."

I am three weeks out from a spinal fusion and crawling in and under is not a choice at this point.
Question is how to check if my parking brake is ON?
What are the 'other similar conditions'?

Any ideas of how to trouble shoot in general.

I will say that the brakes are 'mushy'; takes a pretty good mash on the pedal to get the thing to stop but when i had work done a few weeks ago I was told brake pads and drums were in good shape.

Any help would be appreciated.

nickxj94

Master cylinder went out if the brakes are "mushy" like you say. To check ebrake just pull it up and then release it back to it's position some times people don't let it all the way down and the light will stay on.

96ss2283

Thanks Nick,
I have tried that with the e-brake handle.
I was thinking it meant that it might still be engaged even though the lever is down.
I would assume I would smell something if that was the case unless the e-brake was worn?
There are times when I have been parked and sitting for a few minutes and here a chirp from the rear of the jeep, I always thought that was brake related but my knowledge of the thing is so limited.
Trying to learn but now physically it is a challenge just to snoop around in and under the vehicle.


I am hoping it would not be the master cylinder as money is tight right now and I am too restricted to go to the jy.

nickxj94

Mine did the same thing a few months ago petal got mushy then went to floor I had to pump it to stop, the master was not leaking had no leaks anywhere till I took the master off and then it started puking fluid out where the rod goes in so the seal blew out. Reman ones are around $50.00 or less and I would replace it with a 95 and up with non ABS they are a little better. I know around here pick and pull wants $30 for them so I just went with a reman with a lifetime warranty.

freegdr

Are both lights working correctly?

96ss2283

both lights?


meaning yellow brake warning light in dash?
Not sure if that is what you are asking, never see it come on

freegdr

Both brake lights ?

96ss2283

Manual refers to a yellow light that only deals with ABS issues.
Thought that is what you meant??? guess it wasn't

freegdr

Big red things on back of XJ are both working ?...lol...

96ss2283

DOH!

Yeah, dem werk pertty good.