When I start the car with the parking brake on the battery, pad wear, and brake lights stay on. When I release the parking brake, they go out. Once the brake is released, only the brake light will come on if it's applied again.

Odd, isn't it? Any ideas?

Could be a wire down near the parking brake pedal has been worn bare or slightly so. Might then be slight short that is moved when releasing park brake?? A guess at best.

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1961 190Db retired
1968 220D/8 325,000
1983 300D 164,150

After starting, leave the break on and give the engine some gas (diesel) and see if they go out. If they do it's the alternator.

Just ruling things out. It's happening to mine now.

Craig

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1994 E420, Pearl Black/Black. 2.82 rear diff., AMG front spoiler, painted lower half. SOLD

1972 & 1974 BMW 2002tii's.

It might have to do with your idle speed, as well.

My car does this when I first start her cold, and if I rev the engine up and let it return to idle, the lights go out and stay out. Idle speed's supposed to be 750; mine's a bit low (I think 600 or so)...

I thought that also, but mine just started happening recently. I thought it meant the alternator was going?

Craig

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1994 E420, Pearl Black/Black. 2.82 rear diff., AMG front spoiler, painted lower half. SOLD

1972 & 1974 BMW 2002tii's.

Sounds possible, but when I release the parking brake and do nothing else at all, it goes out.