New brakes already??

[mnicolosi]

I've got a 2001 Ford Escape XLT with 28K miles. My brake light came on in the dash, but parking brake is not engaged, and the dealer is telling me I need new front brake pads. This seems suspicious to me as I wouldn't classify my driving as particularly harsh on brakes.

Is 28K miles too early to be replacing brake pads?

[matada]

its a bit early, but impossible. I would check the fluid level in the master cylinder, as well as switch contact at the parking brake, as both of these can lead to the light.
I would also pull the cap off of the master cylinder and make sure the float(if your vehicle has one) is functioning correctly. If it is stuck low, or shorted, the light may remain on.\

Good luck

(edit: sorry, i meant NOT impossible. Gotta proofread better)

[hopeless4life]

There is a technical service bulletin out on all escapes, it seems ford has found that the brake fluid caps don't seal properly, which in some cases causes the brake light to come on. Tell the ripoff artists at the dealership to check their TSB's for that message. I almost guarantee you thats what it is, and yes that is early for new brakes.

[65comet]

Yeah, at 25,000 my brake light came on and I saw the fluid was low. With all the around town driving my wife does, I assumed the fluid was low from the brakes being worn out. So, I bought new pads and shoes, then took off the wheels. The brakes were near perfect. Took the parts back and topped off the fluid after I noticed the spilled fluid around the reservior. I assumed when it had been in for service, someone checked the fluid and didn't put the cap back on correctly. A month later the light came on again, the fluid level was down and it was all over the engine compartment in that area. I took out the rubber seal from the cap and used it as a template to cut out a small piece of rubber that I added behind it. No more leaks. Then two years later I hear about that technical service bulletin. What I'm most concerned about is the damage the brake fluid did to the paint and rubber on the firewall. It would be nice if I could get Ford to fix that also. I want to keep this vehicle for a few more years and I'd hate to have it rust out in that area.