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Brake Warning Never/Always On

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1997 Mercury Cougar and 1997 Ford Thunderbird. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Ensure brake fluid is at proper level. Top up as necessary. Check brake warning display. If brake warning is always on, go to step 5). If brake warning is never on, go to next step.
  2. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect brake fluid level switch connector. Connect jumper wire between ground and brake fluid level switch Purple/White wire. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. If brake warning light illuminated, go to next step. If brake warning light does not illuminate, go to step 4).
  3. Check resistance between brake fluid level switch (Black wire) and ground and Purple/White wire between ignition switch and parking brake switch. If resistance in both tests is less than 5 ohms, replace brake fluid level switch and retest system. If resistance is more than 5 ohms for any test, repair open in Purple/White wire and/or Black wire and retest system.
  4. Turn ignition to OFF position. Disconnect jumper wire. Remove instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER  under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Disconnect cluster connector C251. See Figure. Measure resistance between cluster connector C251, pin No. 5 (Purple/White wire) and brake fluid level switch connector Purple/White wire. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, repair open in Purple/White wire and retest system. If resistance is 5 ohms or less, go to next step.
  5. Reconnect cluster connector C251. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Measure voltage between ground and cluster connector C251, pin No. 5 (Purple/White wire). If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, check power supply to Purple/White wire and retest system.
  6. Remove brake warning light bulb. Measure resistance across bulb terminals. If resistance is 5 ohms or less, go to next step. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, replace bulb and retest system.
  7. Place transmission in Park. Release parking brake. Turn ignition switch to OFF position. Disconnect wiring connector at brake fluid level switch. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. If brake system warning light illuminates, repair short to ground on Purple/White wire and retest system. If warning light does not illuminate, go to next step.
  8. Ensure parking brake is off, park brake switch is good, ignition switch is in OFF position and brake fluid is at proper level. Measure resistance between ground and brake fluid level switch connector Black wire. If resistance is 5 ohms or less, repair Black wire for shorts or damage to switch, and retest system. If resistance is more than 5 ohms, replace brake fluid level switch and retest system.
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