Original Factory China High Quality Buzzer Parking Sensor with Four Sensors

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My parking brake light has been on my dash over the past few very cold days.Sometimes this doesn’t happen until I use the roundabout to leave my neighborhood, although it used to be on when I started the car.It always goes away after a minute or two of driving, otherwise the car seems to work just fine.I don’t use the parking brake, so why is the light on?This is a 2005 Toyota Corolla.- see red
A few vehicles use separate lights for parking brake and service brake warnings, but the vast majority of vehicles (including your Corolla) use a single light for both functions.The switch on the parking brake is unlikely to trigger the light without the handle itself lifted and the brakes applied.More likely, the light came on due to a problem with the service brake (the primary braking system applied by the pedal).
Your Corolla is equipped with a brake fluid level sensor.My guess is that the fluid level in your master tank is low enough that it triggers the warning light.Since fluids expand and contract with temperature, the light turns on when the temperature is very cold and the fluid “shrinks” in the system.If it’s close to that switch point, it might only happen if you brake hard or if the fluid sloshes to one side as you go around corners.
Due to the potential severity of brake system failure, the cause of the low fluid level needs to be determined immediately.It can be as simple as a worn brake or as serious as a fluid leak, which can lead to brake failure.
It’s important to note that automakers can also use hydraulic differential switches to activate warning lights in place of (or in addition to) fluid level sensors (more common in older domestic models), and red lights can also be activated by some ABS/ Stability system failure (often accompanied by amber lights on these systems).
Opening the brakes to warn driving is not recommended; any change in pedal feel or travel is a reason to immediately tow the vehicle to a service facility.
Ask a Mechanic is written by Brian Early, Red Seal Certified Automotive Technician.You can send your questions to wheels@thestar.ca.These answers are for reference only.Consult a certified mechanic before doing any work on your vehicle.
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