I have a 2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner with a standard long-handle parking brake that I rarely use.
The last time I used the parking brake, I disengaged it fully and pushed the brake handle into what I will call the "sleeve" -- the tube that holds the parking brake handle when the parking brake is not in use.
Now the brake handle does not rest fully against whatever it is inside the brake handle "sleeve" that disengages the dashboard brake light. The dashboard brake light will not turn off unless you push in and hold the parking brake handle. If I turn the handle to a different position, the light will turn off temporarily but one bump in the road later and the light turns on again.
The brakes themselves are fine -- brand new, no issues; that is not why the brake light comes on. My problem seems like it should be really simple to fix but I have not found any guidance anywhere on how to work around it.
Thanks.
WR Smith
What makes this problem better or worse?
Pushing on the parking brake handle
How long has your 2001 Toyota Tacoma had this problem?
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Suspect sticking park brake cable(s) due to lack of exercise - infrequent use.
Liberally spraying a penetrant such as PB Blaster onto ALL park brake cables and working brake lever may allow cables to return to the off or fully relaxed position.
