The warning light on my dash for the brakes has been on intermittently lately. This problem started at the end of last winter but went away all summer until now when we are getting cold nights again here in upstate NY. From what I've noticed, it only lights up on cold mornings (before the truck fully warms up), particularly when I climb a hill or during a sharp changes in momentum. The parking brake is definitely off and the brake fluid seems to be at, or just below, the max line in the reservoir.
I've got about 68K on the truck with the original pads. I suspect they are nearing the end of their life, but I have not had a chance to check lately. Is the warning light somehow linked to this? Or does brake fluid contract in cold weather? Is it possibly a combination of these two? I think I once read an old message about brakes on this board that the break fluid level or pressure? drops slightly with break pad wear. Is this true?
I'm not much of a mechanic, so I'd appreciate any help. Thanks.
Chris