Low brake pads = brake light

[4Runnerarator]

Can anyone tell me if worn brake pads can illuminate the brake light on the dash? I’m able to drive for a few miles, and then the brake light slowly illuminates from a faint light to full red. It’s not as bright as it would be if I put on the emergency brake.

SOS. Help?

 

[OopsIBrokeIt]

Check your brake fluid level.

There's no brake pad sensor on these, so no chance the pads themselves are responsible.

On the other hand worn pads will have the pistons extended further, lowering the fluid level in the reservoir and maybe triggering a warning if it's borderline?

 

[SocalSam]

As mentioned, worn brake pads will cause brake fluid level in reservoir to drop. This does not mean fluid has leaked out. Always check fluid level after replacing pads.

 

[4Runnerarator]

I definitely don’t have low brake fluid. The light goes away upon restart but then as I’m driving the light slowly illuminates. It starts off dim and then starts to increase in brightness.

we did have the mother of all rain storms yesterday. The worst of my lifetime for sure. I didn’t drive through it. So wonder if it might be related.

 

[Buckaroo]

I definitely don’t have low brake fluid. The light goes away upon restart but then as I’m driving the light slowly illuminates. It starts off dim and then starts to increase in brightness.

we did have the mother of all rain storms yesterday. The worst of my lifetime for sure. I didn’t drive through it. So wonder if it might be related.

Agree with others - brake fluid low. When marginally low, it can slosh around and the brake light can go on and off.

 

[Bossman]

E-brake light on?....why

And from the 3rd gen:

Emergency Brake Light appears randomly

FYI, parking brake warning light has TWO functions

 

[4Runnerarator]

Thx to all those that replied. I let my 4Runner sit one day and the light is gone. My fluid is at the correct level. I am thinking it was from the massive rain storm and extreme humidity. Never seen rain like that and I did drive through a foot of rain for quite some distance

Long live full time 4WD