I've done a search for this specific problem, with no results. I have an '84 300D. The problem is that the parking brake indicator light remains on, even after the parking brake has been disengaged. If I raise the parking brake pedal up underneath with my foot a few inches, the light goes off. I adjusted the brake at the rear wheels to tighten up the slack, but this didn't cure the problem. Any solutions to this problem would be appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

There are two problems we encounter.

The first is when the cables are frozen or stretched. In this case you may have to replace them.

The second is when the return spring in the park brake lever is broken or worn. You have to replace the park brake pedal assy to rectify.

Couldn't it be low level brake fluid too?

It could be the brake fluid level if the light didn't go out when he lifts the parking brake pedal. If the parking brake shoes are adjusted properly, then the cables could be stretched. There is a finite amount of adjustment to take out the slack at the intermediate lever.

Parking brake
 

The fluid level is fine. I don't think that would have anything to do with the problem, because the parking brake isn't activated by hydraulic pressure -- it's mechanical. I've adjusted the parking brake, and it works fine. It's not stretched. It probably is the return spring, I'm guessing. Thanks a lot for the advice, Benzmac. I'll check that out.

Mike

Im not sure if this is the problem but I had a shop that needed a parking brake switch the other day for the same type of car and same problem, it took me a while to find the part number. finally found the number in some old catalogs I had its 2018202110 I sent it to him and he left me alone finally. In the picture it looks like its located behind the dash close to the release lever. I have a copy of the page in the film if needed let me know. Also its availble in the Fastlane Catalog http://www.peachparts.com/catalog

It sounds like the return spring. I occasionally have the same problem with my car sometimes, although I only have to push the pedal up about a centimeter or two. It doesn't really seem like a big deal, I just have to bump the pedal with my foot if the light stays on.