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Topic: Electrical or Brake Issue? (Read 278 times) previous topic - next topic
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Electrical or Brake Issue?
We are getting ready to leave on a short Memorial Day Weekend trip.
After starting the engine, I noticed that when the emergency brake is off, the red dashboard emergency brake light remains on.
I drove to the gas station and back and the brakes seem to be working fine.
Also the emergency brake does not appear to be stuck on as the LD will roll on an incline with the emergency brake off.
In addition, the ABS instrument light flashes on and off.  When it flashes the fuel and engine temperature gauges move back to zero and then reset.
Also, the turn signals work on the outside but not on the instrument panel.
We checked fuse #6 and it seems to be ok.
A couple of questions.
Does this sound more like an electrical issue than a brake issue?
Do you think we are safe to drive or should we cancel  our trip?
Information I saw online says not to drive if the emergency brake light stays on.
Thanks for any help.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)

Re: Electrical or Brake Issue?
Reply #1
Hi Paul;  It sounds like an electrical problem with the ABS front wheels or rear axle speed sensor(s?)  I'd check those wires and fuses first.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Electrical or Brake Issue?
Reply #2
The parking brake has an indicator switch mounted at the top of the pedal, which may be stuck in the 'on' position.n You can see it from below, try working it with a finger to msee if it turns off.

The ABS light issue may be a wiring issue in the dash, tough to guess what it may be remotely. A bad ABS sensor should not affect the gauges, sounds more like a problem in the dash wiring

Big Pine Creek
Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Electrical or Brake Issue?
Reply #3
I'm with Larry: there are too many unrelated things going wrong (ABS indicator, turn signals, fuel and engine temperature indicators) for this to be just a brake problem. I'd look for a short or bad ground in the dash. And--sorry to say this--if it were me, I wouldn't take any trips until the problem is fixed.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Electrical or Brake Issue?
Reply #4
As a follow-up to my original post, it turned out the body control module (BCM)  had failed and needed to be replaced.  We had the work done at a local independent repair shop as the Ford dealers in our area (south central Washington) do not work on motorhomes.  I did a search on the Forum and could not find where anyone had experienced a bad BCM so I assume this is not a common problem to have.  We had to reprogram the key fobs after the new BCM was installed.
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)

 
Re: Electrical or Brake Issue?
Reply #5
Thanks Paul for the follow up. I've never heard of a Body Control Module.  My older LD isn't as computerized as the newer ones. I'm glad you figured out what was going on. I hope that was a permanent fix.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB