E-brake light

I have a 13' with 165k on it. within the last week or so my e-brake light sometimes comes on while driving. Sometimes when I hit a bump, sometimes on smooth roads. It will stay on for a bit then go off again. I have tried giving the pedal a bump, pulling up to make sure its not slightly engaged, sometimes works, usually doesnt.
I have got down on the ground and looked up there. Everything seems tight including the spring.
The brake is not actually engaging, just the red light on my dash.

Any tips on where to start?

 

Have you checked your fluid level in the resi?

 

^^^^This, and if it's low, find out where it's going

 

X3 -This

 

Really? Isn't the ebrake a mechanical cable?

 

Things that will turn the red brake warning indicator on..

- parking brake switch
- reservoir float switch
- differential pressure valve switch

 

Did not know that. Thank you, always thought just the embrace. My pedal has felt normal, but will look.

 

Whats the differential pressure valve switch?

 

The brake hydraulic system is split in 2 halves for safety (older cars were split front to rear, most modern cars are split diagonally- LR to RF/RR to LF).

if it sees a loss of pressure on one side of the system there is a little check ball that moves and blocks the side with no pressure. When the check ball moves a switch gets bumped and turns on the indicator (indicating a loss of pressure somewhere)

The 2 halves meet at the pressure switch

Here's a general example, not necessarily from a Toyota


Not to be confused with the load sensing/pressure modulating valve at the rear axle on most toyota trucks

Sometimes manufacturers will combine it with a metering/proportioning valve

They rarely fail, its just on the list of things that has an electrical switch connected to that warning light. OP's issue is probably the float switch or parking brake switch

 

Look at that, despite my best efforts I learned something today

 

Ditto, thx @b_r_o

 

Fluid level most likely , mine is also on and off and I need to do my front brakes resi is low .

 

Well checked it out. Resi was low. Added some in to be safe getting home, and will do a search for the leak.

Thanks.

 

Just because the fluid level is low doesn't mean you have a leak. Just the pads getting thin will let the fluid level drop in the res

 

What he said 10000000%

 

I plan to leave my fluid level as it is it a good early warning device that I need to address the brakes .

 

The "leak," is more than likely missing brake pad material. The front calipers do not pull back the way rear brake drums do. So as the brakes wear, fluid fills the piston bore in the caliper so that your brakes aren't traveling to the floor before they engage.

Look through the rims. You should be able to see how much brake pad you have left on the front rotors.

 

Looking at the driver side front, there is a few brownish looking stains coming out from the rim area and running down the tire sidewall depending on how the truck was parked. Im guessing I have a leak there. Im taking the truck in for a inspection tomorrow AM, so I will have the mechanic look into it. Its winter, I dont feel like dealing with it in my driveway.

 

Oof, ya. Sounds like a leaky piston in the caliper.
Good luck in getting it done.