Emergency brake light

[scarr]

I have a 1998 Tacoma. The emergency brake light does not go out when I release the brake. The switch is good. Do I have a bad bulb in the dash???? Any help will be greatly appriciated
Thanks.

[robinhood150]

Your brake fluid is low. Top it off and the light will go away.

[scarr]

WOW. That sounds too easy.
Thanks.

[scarr]

I checked the brake fluid and it's topped off. Could it be a bad sensor? Is there any place online that I can get schematics, or a manual?

[j7b]

A Toyota mechanic recently told me that if your break fluid is even 1/16" low it can trigger the brake light.

Take another look, are you sure it's filled to the absolute amount allowed.

[scarr]

It appears to be right at the leel line. I can try to add some more, but will adding more hurt anything?

[j7b]

I don't know.

I wouldn't think so, but I don't really know.

[David_T (MO)]

I had, and am currently having, similar problems.

In the first case many years ago on another truck the e-brake cables were covered with ice and grit so even though the brake lever was released completely, the actual cable was not. It release only partially, enough to disengage the brakes but not enough to trip the switch.

Currently, my brake light comes on for a while and then goes out after a while all on its own... but only when temperatures are below freezing. I'm guessing (but haven't done anything about it yet) that I have some moisture in the brake line and really need to bleed them.

[scarr]

I added some brake fluid, and the light went out.
Thanks to all for you help, you saved me a trip to the dealer