This just happened yesterday while on the interstate. I hit the gas to pass a car and my brake light in the gauge cluster turned on.

I don't think the brake is actually engaging because the brake lights aren't turning on and the car isn't slowing / stopping. I tried using the parking brake at a red light but it didn't work, the light stayed on after I disengaged the brake. After about 10 minutes of normal driving the light magically turned off.

This morning on my way to work the light turned back on. This hasn't happened before. Anyone have any suggestions, ideas?

 

Check your fluid level and make sure your e-brake is completely down.

 

My friend has a Mazda that turns on the brake light in the dash when one of the rear brake light bulbs is out. Do our Maxima's do this ?

 

I'll check this out and verify.

I checked to make sure the emergency brake was down (at the red light) and all appears normal. I will also check the brake fluid level to be sure.

 

It is most likely low brake fluid. If indeed the level is low in the reservoir, check your front and rear pads for wear - they might need replacement. (As the pads wear, more fluid is required to push the piston further - thus the level in the reservoir drops).

 

ur pads are almost gone or ur fluid is low, its either one of those.

 

I think you're right. Checked the tail lights and they are working fine - also the lights aren't always on and the emergency brake isn't stuck (pretty confident about that).

The brake fluid reservoir is low (about 1/4 inch above the LOW mark), so I'm leaning toward the pads going out as the problem. Will replace ASAP.

Thanks for the help everyone.

 

same happened to me, it was the brake fluid.