Hi Esteemed Group,

Last night while driving, all of a sudden my parking brake light went on. (the red brake light with the exclamation point,to right side of the steering wheel)

I then turned the car off and on again and the light stays off for about twenty miles, then comes on again.

I checked the fluid and it is at max level. About a month ago I did try to use my parking brake and there really wasn't any. In 2008 I changed the rear pads with ceramic, but I never changed the parking pads/shoes.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Could be the brake light switch itself,

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Do you mean the switch for the parking brake or the one on the brake pedal? That would cause all the fuss with the electronics??

Oh, forgot to mention that the speedo went to zero every time that happened.

I have an appointment to have my rear brakes done, the parking/emer brakes and all. I suspect it may have to do with the parking brake as I engaged and released around with the parking brake while I went in reverse and the light stayed off for the 25 mile ride home. Just before it was going off every 1/2 mile for like 3 miles. I've had the car 6 years and never did the rotors or parking shoes.

Thanks again,

If the speedo quit at the same time, you should have a CODE stored in the traction system.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I just had Autozone scan the system as well as a local mechanic and they both read "failed speed sensor; poor electrical connection or short.

The mechanic says he will have to check all sensors, connections and wires. He says it happens and he's troubleshooted cars with the same problems before, mostly Chryslers.

Question, just for my knowledge how many sensors are there and where, and what kind of labor would I be looking at? Can I do this myself or leave it to an experienced mechanic?

Thanks much in advance,