parking brake/charging light

[mastercraft1995]

I have a 1983 Toyota Celica that I'm having an issue with. The parking brake light is on and the red light next to the battery charging system is on. They both came on at the same time. Brake fluid is good, battery charging looks like it's dropped to about 10 to 11 volts.

Are these the same or different issues? It seems like they would be different but they came on at the same time. Any help would be appreciated.

[PittsburghCeli]

Not sure if it the same or different, just have to check each system. Is there a sensor in the master cylinder reservoir cap (brake fluid cap) or somewhere to tell you the fluid is low, that can make the brake light come on, also check the tail lights with the brake pedal pressed, one could be burnt out, or could be the switch under the brake lever itself. I believe that is where all of the brake sensors are located and any one of the 3 can make the parking brake light come one, check them.

Measure the battery voltage across the terminals with the car running, if it measures under 12volts, then that is a problem with the alternator, put a load on like turn the a/c or heat or however you can tax the battery. It should read about 14 volts with the car running. The battery should measure about 12 volts not running. 10 or 11 volts across the battery with the car running is an alternator problem usually.

Maybe check the alternator first because it sounds like the problem, instead of all the brake sensors first because I think maybe the brake light comes on when you turn the key to start but the brake light should go off after a few seconds in the on position for sure unless one of the sensors is faulty or doing its job just have to check the 3 sensors.

Good luck.

[fiynix]

My car used to have a similar problem.
i changed the alternator and checked all the wiring in the car.
after a few months of trying to find the problem it turned out to be the voltage regulator.

but yer 1st check all your globes for the brakes.

just out of curiosity have you put in and led's into your dash cluster?

[CJCride]

Originally Posted by mastercraft1995

I have a 1983 Toyota Celica that I'm having an issue with. The parking brake light is on and the red light next to the battery charging system is on. They both came on at the same time. Brake fluid is good, battery charging looks like it's dropped to about 10 to 11 volts.

Are these the same or different issues? It seems like they would be different but they came on at the same time. Any help would be appreciated.

My 91 Corolla did that when it was about 12 years old, I asked a Toyota mechanic and he right away said "it's your alternater" w/o even looking at the car.

So I installed a rebuilt and it worked perfect, lights went out.

Don't know if other car brands the are same, but it is a sure indicator of a bad Alternater & as another member said regulator, the 91 had both in same unit if I remember correctly.