Commander 4WD V8-4.7L VIN N (2006)
Parking Brake Warning Switch: Testing and Inspection
PARK BRAKE SWITCH
WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG,
OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, 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.
NOTE: 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. If no brake system problem is found, the following procedures will help
to locate a shorted or open park brake switch sense circuit, or a faulty park brake switch.
INDICATOR ILLUMINATES DURING BULB TEST, BUT DOES NOT WHEN PARK BRAKE APPLIED
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Disconnect the instrument panel 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 instrument panel wire harness connectors for the park brake switch and 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 instrument panel 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 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.
