Brake Light Warning

[BlakJak]

So the (!) light that would usually be on when the handbrake is on, has a few times in the last few weeks been seen to be on when the handbrake clearly is not, shortly after starting my car (usually while the engine is cold).

I park on a slope (nose down) and I wondered if this might be affecting brake fluid levels such that the fluid level sensor is getting tripped.
I've checked the fluid level and it's smack in between 'MIN' and 'MAX'. Brake performance appears not impacted. Usually goes away several seconds after it starts and doesn't come back again for the whole trip. Also doesn't happen every time - seen it maybe 4 times in the last 2-3 weeks.

Any ideas?

This is on my 01 Gaia.

[Dell'Orto]

Not a brake light warning symbol perhaps?

[BlakJak]

Not a brake light warning symbol perhaps?

Pretty sure the car isn't flash enough to have that - i'm sure i've done brake light bulbs before now.

[BlakJak]

I should add i'm doing a road trip to Ohakune tomorrow afternoon so i'm mildly concerned about the timing !

[Dell'Orto]

Never know, my series 2 RX-7 had it, had me stumped for ages because I thought it was the fluid level too. Wasn't until I failed a WOF for no brake like I worked it out

[BlakJak]

Never know, my series 2 RX-7 had it, had me stumped for ages because I thought it was the fluid level too. Wasn't until I failed a WOF for no brake like I worked it out

I will check again, just to be sure
Could be intermittent. A bulb failure would seem unlikely to be intermittent.

[GDII]

The handbrake light in the MR2 goes on when I brake really really hard. But only for a second or two once I've stopped. The fluid level is at half because of the wear in the pads. I have a level sensor but I assume you don't.
Sticky handbrake lever button?

[85AW20v]

Or brake pads worn enough to drop the fluid level with the nose down when parked. Did you get to Ohakune OK?

[RS13]

I park on a slope (nose down) and I wondered if this might be affecting brake fluid levels such that the fluid level sensor is getting tripped.

I'd say this. Generally if it starts coming on around corners and in your situation, with the car nose down it might be low enough in fluid to trip it? I'd top it up to max and see if that makes a difference. Otherwise a sticky switch on the footbrake perhaps?

[BlakJak]

Or brake pads worn enough to drop the fluid level with the nose down when parked. Did you get to Ohakune OK?

Aside from being the first to come across a fatal car accident made it OK.

One little glimmer for about 5 seconds from the warning light when doing a U-Turn while on the way here. Otherwise no problems. Will check the fluid level again in the morning.