2004 Kia Spectra Emergency Brake Light staying on

SCRAPNBUG

MEMBER
2004 KIA SPECTRA

Electrical problem
2004 Kia Spectra 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

At first I noticed it if I put the car in gear and then took the emergency brake off. I stopped doing that and the light went off for a while. Now it's back on. I'd say 97% of the time it's on. Every now and then it's off. Do I need to worry about this? The brake is, obvsiouly, not engaged and I don't feel any difference in the driving or steering. Don't want to pay lots of money if it's a fuse or something.
Thanks

4 Replies

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

To better assist you can you tell me your model is just a Spectra, or an EX, GS, GSX, LS or LX. Also the engine size in liter and the 8th digit of your VIN.

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Wednesday, March 4th, 2009 AT 6:42 PM

SCRAPNBUG

MEMBER
2 POSTS

My Kia is an EX (I'm pretty sure) and the 8th VIN digit is a '1' and it's a 1.6 liter.

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Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 AT 9:24 AM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Thanks for the info and getting back with me.

This may be a couple of things - let's start with the easiest.

Please check your brake fluid level and make sure it is at the proper level. The way your system works is if your brake fluid gets a little low, then the light will stay on. My thought is that is why it was on then off etc. So first check that.

If that isn't it then it may be the switch. . ..here is the test for checking the switch. . .. . .. . .

BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WARNING SWITCH

1. Remove the connector (A) from the switch located at the brake fluid reservoir.

2. Verify that continuity exists between switch terminals 1 and 2 while pressing the switch (float) down with a rod.

Fig. 20: Testing Brake Fluid Level Warning Switch Continuity
Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Check the fluid first and then see how it does. . .. . ...if the fluid is okay then do the above then let me know.

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Wednesday, March 11th, 2009 AT 5:42 PM

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello -

Hey, by the way, you need to check on this. It looks like you may have a recall on your vehicle. The dealer may fix this for free. Please contact the dealer service department, give them the VIN number of your car and have them check on this to see if it applies to you.