One of two things can cause the light to come on. One is a master cylinder failing and the other is the E brake. Down in the foot well is a black wire that is connected to the Ebrake. To activate the light, the wire is grounded when you push the ebrake. I have seen the wire get tangled in the mechanism and get cut and grounded to the assembly. Find the wire and make sure it is not all chewed up and grounded somewhere. Also, if you unplug it, and the light goes out, you'll know the problem is in the ebrake area. If you unplug it, and the light stays on and have verified the wiring is good , you'll know the ebrake circuit is good and the problem lies with your master cylinder circuit.

 

When I bought my Jeep several years ago, the Previous Owner had cut the wire to the proportioning valve switch (he could have simply disconnected the plug, but POs seem to do stupid stuff). As I examined the situation I saw the switch was leaking brake fluid. I replaced the switch and it still leaked. In a DUH! moment, I realized that there should be no brake fluid where the switch screws into the proportioning valve. I replaced the proportioning valve, bled the brakes and repaired the wire.
All has been good since.

I kinda-sorta remember that you have to stomp hard on the brake pedal to re-center the switch activator plunger inside the proportioning valve once you've repaired whatever set it off in the first place.

The first place I'd look though is, as Rudys88 suggests, the park brake mechanism and switch assembly.
Always do the cheap and easy first.

Good Luck, L.M.

 

Thanks for information. I cant seem to find the switch on the ebrake all i see the brake wire cable that goes through the bottom to the cab. Where is the switch location i cant seem to find any picture online to show me what to look for.

 

see if this helps, just above the pedal pivot.

 

Above the screw that's poking out?

 

That bar Below the screw is the switch, you can see the wire at the bottom. when the pedal is depressed it completes the ground to the light on the dash. If it is the switch, a shot of lightweight oil should loosen it up.

 

Typical yj issue. Mine had that issue and was something to do with switch on the back of the pedal. However I always wondered if you could bag a new e brake pedal for free as it's under recall and a safety issue.

 

Like King of Audio mentioned, before you go throwing money at your e brake, run your vin through the recall website.

I know there was a recall for an e brake defect on the YJs. I had already paid to have mine fixed before I became aware of the recall, and was able to get a reimbursement check

 

Thanks guys checked the website my jeep was never taken in to take care of the recall on the e brake. Called the locak dealership and they will order the part and call me to come in. Thanks again.

 

make sure to let us know if it fixes it. my light stays on all the time as well

 

The recall is on the brake mechanism, not sure if the switch is part of the assembly, may want to ask the dealer when you take it in.

 

Had the E brake recall done on mine a few months ago... NO, the switch won't be replaced as part of the recall.

 

So when i originally made this post originally i thought it the dash brake light staying on was related to the e brake sensor. But over the last few weeks my brakes feel differently pretty soft i still stop but the pedal goes closer to the floorboard then i recall. So with the combination or the dash brake light staying lit and now soft brakes what could it be? I checked the brake fluid it not low, looked at the brake lines i see not signs of leaking with the front brakes. Any thoughts? Thanks