RAM 2500 Truck 2WD V8-5.7L VIN D (2004)
Parking Brake Warning Lamp: Testing and Inspection
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE/PARK BRAKE INDICATOR
The diagnosis found here addresses an inoperative brake indicator condition. If there are problems with several indicators in the instrument cluster. If
the brake indicator stays on with the ignition switch in the On position and the park brake released, or comes on while driving, the brake system must
be diagnosed and repaired prior to performing the following tests. (Refer to BRAKES - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING). If no brake system problem is
found, the following procedures will help to locate a shorted or open circuit, or a faulty park brake switch input. Refer to the appropriate wiring
information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and
retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, DRIVER AIRBAG, PASSENGER AIRBAG, SEAT BELT
TENSIONER, SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND
ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO
DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL
AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.
INDICATOR ILLUMINATES DURING BULB TEST, BUT DOES NOT WHEN PARK BRAKE APPLIED
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for the park brake switch from the switch terminal.
Apply the parking brake. Check for continuity between the park brake switch terminal and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to
Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake switch.
2. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for
continuity between the park brake switch sense circuit cavities of the body wire harness connector for the park brake switch and the instrument
panel wire harness connector for the instrument cluster. There should be continuity. If not OK, repair the open park brake switch sense circuit
between the park brake switch and the instrument cluster as required.
INDICATOR REMAINS ILLUMINATED - BRAKE SYSTEM CHECKS OK
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the body wire harness connector for the park brake switch from the switch terminal.
Check for continuity between the terminal of the park brake switch and a good ground. There should be no continuity with the park brake released,
and continuity with the park brake applied. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, replace the faulty park brake switch.
2. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector (Connector C1) for the instrument cluster from the cluster connector receptacle. Check for
continuity between the park brake switch sense circuit cavity of the body wire harness connector for the park brake switch and a good ground.
There should be no continuity. If not OK, repair the shorted park brake switch sense circuit between the park brake switch and the instrument
cluster as required.
