brake indicator on dashboard

The brake light on the dash also lights up when the parking brake is applied.

It can illuminate with just a minor low-level of brake fluid...looks OK to us but the addition of a couple of ounces makes the difference. Normal wear in disc brake pads causes the caliper pistons to stay extended, more fluid stays in the calipers, and the level is slightly low in the reservoir. The light goes on. Very common.

Ken

the emergency brake 'on' switch will do this if the return spring is loose and the hand brake is a bit 'pulled' out, or the inner cable is broken allowing it to creep 'on'.

My 2001 Tacoma does this now... It is the spring in mine. To check, with the engine running and in neuteral or park, push down on the emergency brake handle. If it's the spring, the light on the dash should go off.

And usually, the system does not leak, and by the time the light comes on, at least one of the pads is probably getting close to metal.

I have not actually added brake fluid to any vehicle in 10 years.

--- Rich