I have read that a parking brake light that will not go out means the brake fluid level is low. However, my car actually sounds like the parking brake is engaged.

This morning I started to drive to work, but noticed the brake light was on. The hand brake was released (not engaged), but I stopped and put the car in first and checked the brake just to make sure. I turned the car on/off--still the light remained on. The car seems driveable, but there is a grinding sound at the rear of the car if I go over a speed bump. Fearing the rear brakes are somehow locked up, I turned around and drove immediately back home.

Please help!

1998 Protege LX (70,000 miles)

 

maybe the cable that runs from the rear brakes to the parking brake lever is stuck..have it checked..