Brake warning light (dashboard) lights up from time to time

[1997Camry]

Does the dashboard warning light "Brake" signify problem with parking brake, or does it cover all the brake system? It normally only comes up when I have parking brake set. About a month ago, the light would go off after I release parking brake, but would show up while I'm driving. After a while, it'll go off (probably after I used the brake a few times) and then it'd come back on again. There's no regularity to it at all. Most of the time now, it would come up and stay lit.

I wonder if this is simply a light issue with parking brake indicator system, or is it a warning for all brakes in general. My regular brakes are working fine.

[Mike Gerber]

It's also an indicator of low brake fluid in the resevoir. Check it and fill it to the max line, if necessary. Don't just look from the side of the resevoir; actually remove the cap and look inside. Many times the old fluid stains the inside making it look full when it is near the min line. When it is near the min line, the movement of the car sloshing the fluid around will set off the light as it ocassionally goes at or below the min line. If you find it low, top it off and then have your front brake pads checked for wear at your earliest convience. When the resevoir goes down to the min line, it is usually an indicator that the pads have worn down enough to require replacement in the near future. As the pads wear, the hydraulic system has to push the front caliper pistons out further and further to reach the disc rotors. Fluid going that far down in the resevoir is an indicator of this.

Mike