Why does my car display a faulty brake light?

The emergency brake lamp on your dash board serves a dual purpose as a means to alert you in case you drive before disengaging the emergency foot brake or when your brake fluid level is below the minimum level.

What you need to know:

  • In this case I suggest that you ask a technician to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir attached to the master cylinder at the back of the engine bay.
  • Top up the brake fluid to the upper limit and that should switch off the warning lamp. Should the light persist check the condition of the emergency foot brake switch.

Hi Paul, my Toyota Harrier displays a faulty brake light. Normally this light goes off after I disengage the emergency foot brake. I have replaced all my worn out brake pads but the light persists. What could be the cause? Hamad Kisukye

Hello Kisukye, the emergency brake lamp on your dash board serves a dual purpose as a means to alert you in case you drive before disengaging the emergency foot brake or when your brake fluid level is below the minimum level.

The emergency brake and brake fluid level warning lamp is connected by circuit to the parking brake switch and a brake fluid level sensor attached to the brake fluid reservoir.

In this case I suggest that you ask a technician to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir attached to the master cylinder at the back of the engine bay.

Top up the brake fluid to the upper limit and that should switch off the warning lamp. Should the light persist check the condition of the emergency foot brake switch.