2000 Chevrolet Blazer - Parking Brake Switch

What Does a Parking Brake Switch Do?

The parking brake switch on your vehicle is responsible for illuminating the brake light on your dash when your parking brake, or emergency brake, is engaged. This light is a reminder to disengage the parking brake before putting the vehicle in gear. The brake light on your dash can also be triggered if various types of brake system failures or low fluid levels in your master cylinder are detected. If one of the hydraulic circuits for either your front or rear brakes loses fluid or is leaking, your brake light may be illuminated as a dashboard warning light. If your brake light is on and your parking brake is not engaged, this could be a sign of brake failure, and you should avoid driving your vehicle until you determine the cause of the light. If you have engaged your parking brake, but your brake light doesn't turn on, or if it doesn't turn off once the parking brake is disengaged it might be time to replace the parking brake switch. It's best to perform a complete diagnosis of the brake system and the parking brake switch itself before beginning your repair to determine the source of the problem. O'Reilly Auto Parts carries replacement parking brake switches for most vehicles, as well as the brake fluid, brake calipers, and tools needed for a complete brake repair.