What would cause the emergency brake light to come on?

DESERTKEVIN

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN XTERRA

I have a 2004 Xterra. What would cause the emergency brake light to come on. Even though I don'y use brake. It will come on especially first thing in morning, after it has sat all night. It will go off if I come to a stop and hit brakes hard. But then sometimes come on again. Is there some type of sensor that needs replacing? I have changed battery recently, does there need to be something re-programmed?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

First, make sure the brake fluid is full and that isn't the issue.

If it is the parking brake, there is a parking brake switch on the brake assembly that may be bad. If you look at the attached pic below, I highlighted where the switch should be located. Check to make sure the wiring connection to it is tight and not damaged.

Also, using a screwdriver, press the actuator button at the end to see if the light goes off. If it does, the sensor is adjustable by screwing it into the mount. Turn it in the clockwise direction to have it turn the light off faster.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)