My parking brake light on the instrument panel would not light up like the other ign lights (oil, brake warning ect).

Here's why it went bad. In the parking brake console, there was a short with the rear ash tray lights. It was broken and I guess the wires grounded somewhere and began to melt. Did not blow a fuse. Anyway, the parking brake switch is just a simple thingy that grounds when the brake handle is lifted.

What happened is, on the instrument cluster, the parking park light circuit is connected to diode (i think thats what is it). I think that diode blew when the wires shorted out. I just replaced it and now it's fine. I have a light and can now pass inspection.

When mine didn't work I just needed to fix the broken wire under the brake console.
Where do you live that they check the parking brake light? In Maine, the only time the tech gets in the car is to adhere the sticker to the windshield.
I also go to a garage that doesn't even have a lift!The guy gets down on one knee to check the floors.
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philvo

Live in good old MD. We only need inspection, only once you sell or buy the car. They go through the whole damn car, I mean every itty bitty little thing, shocks, doors, exhaust, brake pedal wear, rust, seats ect. I think it's 45 things they check. It takes them 45 minutes to a hour. It failed anyway, the rear brake light is loose, tag light not sealing, and front light not aiming. The bad thing is these guys are too honest, nothing works under the table. If you ever buy a used car, get an MD inspected car!

But they don't check the emissions, go figure.

I know exactly what you mean. Now I have a form of my own adapted to RWD volvos from the state form so I can go over a car before taking it for state inspection. You always get gigged on headlight alignment, I suppose because they have to make sure the adjusters are not broken or frozen.

The real challenge is trying to get the car to pass within the 15 day window they allow. If it is close to expiration, there's a real incentive to allow the inspector to make the necessary repairs if you can't legally drive it anymore.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore

I have been having the same problem, where is the diode located on the cluster and how did you replace it?

I'll try to post some pictures. Have you checked the bulb?

It's one the circuit board. The lights on the right side have it, brake failure, od. You have to remove everything, guages, bulbs, ect. If you look at the circuit for that bulb, you'll find it.