Parking Break Light on 2000 T &C turns on intermittently

Yes, that's exactly its other purpose -- to check the brakes. More specifically, if a lot more fluid is being directed to either the front or the rear, the light comes on. This can be caused by a host of problems, from drum brakes that aren't self-adjusting properly (did the T&C still have drums in 2000?) to leaks in the brake lines. Get them checked.

Doesn't the brake light also monitor the level in the master fluid reservoir. I would check the brake fluid level.

Carl

I've never owned a car that monitored brake fluid level. Of course, if it got *so* low that one end wasn't getting fluid, it would set it off. But if the brake fluid level is low, you've got a leak.

As the brake pads wear down, the level of fluid in the reservoir will go down. If that is what's causing the brake warning light to come on then you probably are about due for new brake pads, so don't fill the reservoir all the way up with fluid as you'll have to suck some out (or overflow it) when the new pads are installed.

Pat

Yes, it goes down with pad wear -- but if it goes down that far, there's another problem.

Not in my experience with a 2000 T&C van.

I bow to your experience.

Not always true. I have had cars with a very sensitive level sensor in the master cylinder, my old PT Cruiser included. It just took a fractional drop for the light to go on. The brakes were a bit more than half worn. The fluid system was tight.

Thanks for all the replies. I took the van to my local Chrysler service center who said the rear brake lines were in bad shape, leaking and needed to be replaced. They did this as well as a needed oil change. The total charge for the work on the brake lines with $381, ouch! Whenever the van needs service, I consider taking it to an independent auto service center but always end up taking it to Chrysler. I'm disabled and my van is equipped with a wheelchair ramp and it's important to me that I get the best service possible. Thing is, when my friend drove the van today he said the brake pedal just about went to the floor before the van would stop, so much for the best service possible!

Does anyone know how much that type of work would cost at a non-Chrysler auto service center?

Dan G.in CT

I'm having the same problem with my 2007 Caravan. I assume its because of needing new brake pads because they told me I was down to 10% a few months ago. Then last month they told me I was down to 3 millimeters. I asked three out of what? and was told 12mm. That sounded like 25% to me so I put the job off for awhile. I'm taking it in next week; my dealer quoted over $500 for pads and rotors.

If money's tight just put on a new set of pads yourself, assuming your brakes are otherwise stopping the car ok now.