98 ranger 2.5l 98k miles. Parking brake light on but brake doesnt seem to be engaged. This is what happened:
drove to work = no light on.
parked= didn't set parking brake (never do..but from what I've been reading I'm starting to gather that I should)
cranked up after work= parking brake light on.
Pressed the brake pedal in to "set it" and there was no resistance. Pulled the latch to release it and it floated up slowly (normally it comes back hard). Parking brake light still on.
drove home= vehicle seems to stop and go without issues, like the light isn't even on. (u know normally it would be noticeable if the p brake were on when u try to accelerate)
I do have to park in a dirt/gravel lot at work and it has been muddy from all the rain (dont know if that's a good clue or not)
how concerned should I be?
What do u think the problem is?

 

Have you checked the brake fluid level ?

If it's low, it can also turn on the parking brake light.

 

Take a closer look at the ParkingBrake Pedal+LimitSwitch mounted on the left kick panel;
may just need a good Cleaning\Tightenng\Lube,
after many years of never being used & normal dirt\corrosion.
Also inspect cabling+sleeves running back to the rear axle, for corrosion\dirt;
clean+paint+lube as needed.

 

Its def something with the pedal/switch. I was able to push the switch in by hand and turn the brake light on and off by doing so. Thnx for the info

 

Your parking brake system is likely plagued with the same problem they all suffer from when left unused. More than likely, the cables are rusted internally. The "pedal comes up slowly" bit is a common sign of internal issues within the cable sheath.

I would see what the cables look like, check the sheaths for any visible damage, as well as checking the exposed cables for potential rust or other gunk that can hang them up. You may need to take apart the system and check it out on a bench. The cables, when removed from the combiner/equalizer system, should both move fairly freely, once they are unhooked from the brake shoe lever. A quick test is to have someone sit in the cab. Have them push the brake lever down, and then have them release it. While they do so, watch the cables for movement at the equalizer (where the two cables connect to each other, will be right below the seam between the cab and bed, or very close to it)

The cables should move freely. If you note slack, observe which cable is causing the slack, and then investigate further. The parking brake cables have probably had slack in them for a while, but now there is enough to cause the pedal to sag enough to activate the switch. The cables being bound up means that there is likely some level of excessive drag on your brakes in the rear, you just don't notice it because its so minimal.

EDIT - The two person test noted above assumes the vehicle is not disassembled in any way, and is tested in an as-is condition

 

Thanx😁 I had my dad(he's a backwoods mechanic) take a look at it with me. We've concluded that its something with the pedal assembly...what exactly has yet to be determined. I plan to try taking it apart soon, just haven't had the time 😫