Originally posted by SVTGT350:
FIX THE DAMN PROBLEM!!!!!! Your ABS system is an integral part of your normal brake system. Problem with ABS equals problems with brakes. FIX IT!!!!!! 
If the BRAKE light is on due to a fault, the ABS system is AUTOMATICALLY forced off line. Cool it.... The ABS system is not the issue by itself in this vehicle or this thread.
ABS system fault light alone is NOT a cause for failure in Virginia. See 19VAC30-70-80(D)(2). The BRAKE light is a cause for rejection. See cited reference.
There are three things that are supposed to turn on the BRAKE light:
1) The ignition switch while in START position. This is the bulb "proveout" and is part of the inspection procedure.
2) Parking brake switch. Should turn on the light then the parking brake is set and is also part of the inspection procedure.
3) Brake fluid level float switch. Should turn on the lamp if fluid level is low.
The output of each of these switches is hardwired together and provides a ground to the low side of the BRAKE bulb. This cicuit is also fed into the ABS control module.
If the input circuit of the ABS control module has an internal partial short (as opposed to a dead short), you have a low resistance short to ground that is causing the dim BRAKE light. Easiest quick test is to simply unplug the ABS control module and see if the dim BRAKE light goes off. If it doesn't, you have a wiring harness or instrument cluster fault that is causing a low-grade short to ground.
The ABS control module is mounded in the engine compartment below the brake booster. A real bear to get to.
Steve
98 Contour SE Sport 2.5 Duratec ATX The wifey's car
89 Taurus SHO - 246K miles
94 SHO ATX - 190K
1997 F-150 5.4L ATX - The Workhorse 150K.
ANY THREAD WITH "OMG" or "WTF" ETC IN THE TITLE WILL BE IGNORED!
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