Brake light on when truck is cold??

The last two times I started my truck I noticed the brake light on the dash was on for no reason. In the past this light was only on if the parking brake was engaged. First time was after class and it was only for a few seconds before it flashed a couple times and stayed off. This morning though it was on for a good 20 minutes, then it started to come and fo, then finally stayed off. No smell of burning brakes and the truck rolled forward on flat ground in drive with no throttle applied so I'm guessing there are no brakes engaged but the dash seems to think so. Could this be related to my wiper fluid light staying on even though I filled it? (See other thread).

 

The linkage sometimes gets stuck. Crawl under the truck, look on the left frame rail towards the back, but in front of the rear axle. You should see the parking brake cable go in to a pivot. Lubricate this pivot area. Should help.

 

When you say "wiper" fluid do you mean brake fluid!

My light came on recently and it was that the fluid was at minimum level. Filed to max and the light when out..

 

Sounds like maybe your fluid is low. When it warms up, it expands so your light goes out. Try checking the fluid.

 

I'd bet on low fluid level. My truck has done it before,as well as my wifes Honda. Add just enough fluid to keep it at the full mark.

 

who are you?

 

Where am I??

 

Make sure your brake pads and shoes are in good working order, ususlly when fluid level drops it's because everyday wear and tear have worn them down causing calipers and wheel cylinders to expand, caising fluid to drop in master cylinder which then makes your brake light to light up on your dask,,,,....check your brakes

 

tree stand?

 

+1 when the light comes on, and you have no leak, it's pretty close to "new brake pad" time.
IIRC 2.5mm min on the fronts, 1mm min on the rears.

 

No I mean window wiper fluid

 

Alright ill check the brake fluid level. Ill be somewhat surprised if the pads are going since they feel do good when used. No sponginess or noises. But who knows ill check them. Plus ill grease that pivot.

 

Just a side note. The light went on in one of my cars and in my friends car when the third brake light bulb was not working....

 

here shortly.

 

thats a possiblity as well.

 

As the pads wear, more brake fluid is added to the caliper to make up the space. You will not feel or hear anything related to this . You may hear the squealer on the pad riding on the rotor when it wears that low. Until then, it will be normal braking operation and sounds.