2002 F150 Supercrew Lariat Fx4

The emergency brake seems to be functioning fine, and disengaging properly. However, the dashboard warning light refuses to go out. The truck rolls down hill in neutral with the brake off. I do not believe that the brake is stuck engaged at all.

For a while I could get the dash board warning light to go on and off by tickling the emergency brake level itself, but at this point the dash light is on 100% of the time.

Where is the contact point that toggles the dash light on and off? Can I fix this without tearing the dash apart?

 

I'm certain the problem is the parking brake light switch, just as you suspect. I don't know where yours is, but on my truck it's on the parking brake pedal mounting frame, down by my left foot. I can get to the switch directly, without removing anything. I think it can be adjusted to fix the problem you are having. (Possibly, it's just loose on the mount).

I seem to recall mine being a normally closed switch that the pedal opens by mechanical contact when the brake is released. If so, the switch IS probably just loose on the mount.

- Jack

 

could your brake fluid be low?

 

Open your owner's manual & read the section about instrument panel warning lights.

 

Before you tear the dash apart, check your brake fluid level.

 

By all means, DO check the level of your brake fluid. Low fluid can cause a warning light to illuminate too.

Your statement: "For a while I could get the dash board warning light to go on and off by tickling the emergency brake level itself, but at this point the dash light is on 100% of the time." lead me to believe the culprit was the parking brake switch itself, and I still think that is the case. Can you see a pair of wires going to a switch on the parking brake support? If so, that's the switch and you will not have to tear your dash apart.

- Jack