brake light staying on

[nelzone17]

the brake light has been on for a couple of days now. when it first started, i pulled up on the emergency brake a little and it went away. now it stays on. i know i need to change the brakes, is this the vehicle reminding me?

[Dekeman]

This has happened to me, too. Check your brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir. The fluid level sensor in there is very touchy, and if it's not full to the max line, it'll give you a console light. Check out the forum for brake issues- this comes up a lot. Also, many auto parts stores such as Auto Zone will read codes from your engine for free. That may be worth a shot. Fill up that reservoir, get any codes read and let us know what you come up with.

[96wWindstar180K]

Dekeman
Nelzone17 is correct if your reffering to the brake ligt on the dash. The fluid level is probably low. This an be an indication of wearing brake pads or shoes. As the breaks wear eat requires more fluid to take the place of the wearing pads. Before you fill it check the brakes and see if they need replacing. If not use a turkey baster to get in far enough to get at the master cylinder, make sure the van is level and only fill to the max line on stamped into the resivoir of the master cylinder.

[nelzone17]

filled up the fluid, and presto the brake light went off. thanks for the help