So it's been getting cold in Colorado (somewhat) and I've noticed that after I did the cruise always on and the alarm beep mod that my e-brake dummy light on the dash would stay on, even when the e-brake was completely disengaged. Quite often after driving around for a while it would just 'go out' and work as it should. What could be wrong? It's very erratic, and becoming more frequent. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

make sure your brake fluid is at the proper level. If its low, it can cause the light to go on.

 

low brake fluid

 

are you kidding me? the e-brake light staying on because of low brake fluid? well i can tell you right now my brakes might need to be bled, the fluid is lookin a little nasty but it's certainly not low... and you're sure you guys aren't joking?

 

They are not joking.

 

had the same problem during the past manth, and IT WAS due to low brake fluid!!!

 

wow... that's nuts. i checked my brake fluid and i HAVE NOT added any and the e-brake light has gone back to normal... i have a feeling it's a loose wire or something. that's really weird that low brake fluid would cause the e-brake light to stay on... i wouldn't have thought they would've made that light for more than that one purpose.

 

It's not an e-brake light, it's a brake light, so that makes sense. Has happened to me, and I added fluid and it was gone.

 

This really needs to be a sticky (not that they're ever read...).

Brake Light Causes
Parking Brake engaged
Parking Brake switch faulty
Low Brake fluid (i.e. low pads)
Leak in brake system (see above)

There was one more but I forgot it...generally brake light is one of three things - parking brake, low fluid, or hydraulic leak.

 

lol..yup plus 1 to this .. im pretty sure the light usually means worn out brakes pads...atleast thats my experience

 

wow i had no idea... just assumed the 'brake' light was reserved for the e-brake only... i figured if it sensed those other things it would throw a CEL code, not a 'brake' light code... damn nissan, i wish their warning messages were more detailed. BMW's have had that for years, but of course those cars are an electrical nightmare. well thanks for the info guys, i'll check those things. i'm leaning towards worn brake pads, i can't remember the last time i replaced those.

 

I remember one cold winter that my ebrake light would come on and go off. Then a few months later, other lights began to stay on when they shouldnt. A short time later I replaced my alternator.

 

Ding. Does not say e-brake.

 

I agree with ThisMaxIsTight. I had the same problem for a few weeks. My brake fluid was fine and my parking brake was disengaged. My brakes still worked fine and they had no noise at all. I decided to look at my brake pads and thats when i noticed that they were wearing down unevenly. One side was down to the metal but the other was fine. I got my rotors turned and put new brake pads on and the light went away. My advice is to look at your brake pads and see how they are.

 

yea i added some fluid although the reservoir was within the limits, a little under 'max' - i haven't seen the light since. i do need to check my pads, as i haven't in a while. i never knew such a simple little light was so complicated! i really wish nissan would've put in more info other than 'BRAKE'

 

I noticed mine was on from low brake fluid the other day (might have a leak) and now when I filled it it doesn't come on when the ebrake is engaged? It used to go on and off fine before the fluid was low and I had to top it off.

The light isn't burn out, because it still illuminates at start.