1997 Pontiac Grand Prix

Tiny
GRANDPRIX
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
Brakes problem
1997 Pontiac Grand Prix 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 111.00 miles

my park brake light & trac light stay on after releasing the park brake. What could be the problem?
thanks
Friday, August 28th, 2009 AT 4:40 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
The brake switch that activates the light is stuck/broke.

The tracion control light is another story, it could be an ABS problem, only way to find out is to have car scanned with a chassis scanner, ABS/traction control will set "C" codes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 28th, 2009 AT 5:54 PM
Tiny
GRANDPRIX
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No codes at all

it all started when I released my park brake to drive the car. You had advised me on this before. (Re: low fluid) I replaced the brake lines from mc to the rear brakes & installed new pads & rotors. Braking is just fine.

Is this 2 different problems? Maybe speed sensors?

The brake light & trac light always came on when using the park brake. They always went off when releasing the park brake.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 29th, 2009 AT 2:13 PM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
OK little confused here :), you said in first post that trac/brake is on when parking brake is released?

Trac light is an error warning and may well be a wheel sensor, but would have to be scanned with a chassis scanner. Most autoparts stores only scan "P" codes (Powertrain). ABS/Trac will set a "C" (chassis) code.

I would go ahead and raise car, put on stands, and inspect wheel sensor connections, you may find one that is loose or secondary locking tang is broken.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 30th, 2009 AT 7:19 AM
Tiny
GRANDPRIX
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The brake light & trac light "light up" when the park brake is used. The lights go off when park brake is released. They now always stay lit. Braking is fine. No "p" or "c" codes present. ABS is fine. No brake fade. Fluid level is topped. No leaks, anymore since I replaced both rear brake lines. (What a job! Took 4 hrs.) Park brake does work. The park brake switch appears fine. The electical connection to it is OK. My regular brake lights work. Would it help to reset the computer connection? I will check sensor connections.

Thank you very much for your time. I appreciate it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, August 30th, 2009 AT 11:59 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,548 POSTS
I don't think the PCM is the problem, but disconnect the battery for 30 minutes and try.

Did you scan the chassis with an ABS scanner?

There are also "U" or communtcation codes, which have to do with CAN network, or communication between modules in car.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, August 31st, 2009 AT 8:27 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links