# 2002 Gem died, Bad Motor? **URL:** \ **Category:** GEM Forum\ **Created:** [July 9, 2022, 11:43pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-died-bad-motor/24647 "2022-07-09T23:43:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 5
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2022, 4:02pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-died-bad-motor/24647/5 "2022-07-10T16:02:19Z")
00-04 cars (maybe even 05) had an issue with the brake pedal sagging and not fully coming up. Depending on how this is adjusted it may not be releasing pressure. The factory eventually figured this out and installed a spring to help out. It may not be your solution, but it is a place to start. For now, rig up bungee to pull up on the pedal. At least your brake lights will go off as they should. > [@2005 e4 Brake Pedal Adjustment](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2005-e4-brake-pedal-adjustment/21072/7): > > Thanks for all of the replies and the suggestions everyone. Unfortunately I didn’t see this until now and I put everything back together already. But I’ll keep in mind for the future if I feel I need to improve the braking. Here are the basic steps I took: Remove brake pedal assembly and completely disassemble it. Test fit spring and mark where to cut notch. Cut notch. Sand all rust spots, clean, and paint bracket and brake pedal. Wire wheel washers and shaft. Get new cotter pins. Assemble … But yeah, brakes sometimes always drag a little. At least you should pull off your drums to see what is going on in there. There may be just a bunch of dust hanging things up, or maybe your pad linings have come off your shoes and causing havoc. --- _[View the full topic](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-died-bad-motor/24647)._