Hand brake light stays on! Should I be concerned?

My hand brake light doesn't turn off. It just started today after work when I got into my car. Should I be scared to drive this thing? I'm just wondering because I'm also having an electrical problem with entermittent 3rd brake light.

So yeah, in a nutshell, I'm not sure if I should be worried about driving this thing down the highway and have my brake snag on me. Help?

The brake light is not just for letting you know when the parking brake is on. It lets you know when there is a problem with your brake system. It is probably a misadjusted switch, but it could be a serious hydraulic problem that could cause brake failure. It won't snag on you, but it might fail.

Eep. I've noticed that my brakes need extra pressure lately.. I had to slam them last week when some guy cut me off and ever since, they've been a bit tougher.

Check your hydraulic fluid (Brake/Clutch fluid). Many cars have a sensor in the resorvoir and if it gets to low it turns the e-brake light on.

Hmm, can I simply check those fluid levels from the engine bay? This is on a 98 Accent.

I don't know why a Honda should be any different but the brake resevoir is on the driver's side firewall on any car I have ever looked at. Your owner's manual might show you a diagram. Ensure you use the correct fluid caled for youe car (again owner's manual). Do not mess with your brakes. If you are unsure of how to check or if topping it up does not solve the problem ask a friend or neighbour or co-worker who knows or take it in.

I checked the fluids near the firewall. There were two reservoirs which I'm not too sure what they were but both of them are full. One of them is like a dark brownish liquid and the other is clearer and golden colored.

presumably the resevoir caps would say what specification fluid is required. Brake fluid might say Dot 3 or Dot 4. (or some Honda Spec).

Great advice guys, but too late for that. He said the pedal is already hard meaning something is wrong that won't be caused by low fluid.

Unless you want to tackle your first brake system flush and bleed, time for a pro. Shouldn't cost too much. What has probably happened is you've either reached the limits of your brake shoes/pads, or you've introduced some air into the system. This would make a spongy pedal at first, but during hard braking it would require extra pedal pressure since the air compresses reducing brake pressure. It could also be the master cylinder or a faulty line.

Great advice guys, but too late for that. He said the pedal is already hard meaning something is wrong that won't be caused by low fluid.

Unless you want to tackle your first brake system flush and bleed, time for a pro. Shouldn't cost too much. What has probably happened is you've either reached the limits of your brake shoes/pads, or you've introduced some air into the system. This would make a spongy pedal at first, but during hard braking it would require extra pedal pressure since the air compresses reducing brake pressure. It could also be the master cylinder or a faulty line.

Do you think it's safe for me to finish the week? Payday is only on Friday and I work nights so there's I can't take a bus or anything. The pedal is not hard per se, just very slithly more so than before.

You're probably only running on two out of four brakes. It would be fine until you need to brake more than normal, in which case you're toast. Consider the cost of hitting something and getting sued while that light is on vs paying the $200 to get it fixed. Up to you, but its dangerous stuff to be guessing.

Hmm, that makes sense. Anyway, I booked Thursday morning with my local Hyundai dealership. Hopefuly this won't cost me an arm and a leg.. especially seeing as payday is on Friday and I'm short on bling bling. Thanks for the help guys, I very much appreciate it. I'll post back when I get the damage.

Quick update; took the car to the dealership. Turns out it's just an electrical problem. Brakes are fine. *Whew*