Parking brake light?

[RoadRacer]

Has anyone setup a parking brake light? I haven’t looked closely but I don’t remember one being in the loom, or heard of anyone modifying the ebrake to add a switch..

[Derald Rice]

I have a fiero parking brake, and by design it folds down in either released or engaged mode. So to make an indicator light, I used this light. It is about 1 inch in diameter, the ring is similar to the ring on my gauges, and when lit up, it is red with the word "BRAKE".

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/en/trucks/interior/dash/d5tz-10a840-a-brake-warning-light-bezel

The original purpose in a 1967-1976 F100 was to be a warning if the pressure in the brake system was low. In my case, it is wired to a micro switch to tell me if the brake is engaged or not. Unfortunately Carpenter only makes the bezel and ring. The original back side of the light needs to be sourced from Ford, and it is loooong out of production. I found it on ebay.

It is in period for the car, and it does not stick out like a sore thumb on the dash.

Derald

[Big Blocker]

Like Derald above, I have a Fiero brake handle. I fit mine with a micro switch that is tied to my check engine light. Normal engine startup makes the light come on until the engine is running (factory EFI) so I know if it doesn't go out, check the brake. IF it still doesn't go out, whip out the code reader for the engine.

That being said, I [personally] rarely use the hand brake, only on slight inclines in parking lots where the car might roll away if someone were to mess with it while i'm shopping, eating etc. Yes, I have come out to find people have let their kids sit in my car without asking . . . go figure.

Doc

[RoadRacer]

Yes, I have come out to find people have let their kids sit in my car without asking . . . go figure.

Doc

Wow, that's a whole 'nother thread. Thanks for the tip about the fiero handle..

[sethmark]

Look up the parking brake switch for a Porsche 944. It’s a little plunger that bolts to the bracket. Would be super easy to modify or get inspired from.

[cob427sc]

You could also use the neutral safety switch that Lokar supplies with there automatic shifter kits. Its basically a round ball that presses in when in contact with the shift arm and could easily be adapted for an emergency brake switch.