Parking Break Problem- 1997 4Runner

[Baseballcenter1]

Well my parking break light has turned on and doesnt seem to want to go off, but my parking break handle is all the way down.... it seems like it might be a little sluggish as if it really IS on somehow, but i dont know where to look to tell if it is or not. any advice would be appreciated

 

[JP4RNR]

Your parking brake light will also come on if you are low on brake fluid

 

[Baseballcenter1]

how could i check that?

 

[Uneek]

how could i check that?

Look at your brake fluid reservior. There should be markings for "max" and "min". Bring the fluid up to the "max" line and the light should go off when the parking brake is released. Also, always add new fluid from a sealed bottle. Brake fluid absorbs moisture which will lead to brake fade under severe braking conditions.

The reason you're adding more fluid in is to compensate for worned out brake pads unless you have a leak somewhere. When time comes to change the brake pads, you'll need to siphon out some fluid before pushing the caliper pistons back in.