If brake light on the dashboard is on this usually indicates that the brake fluid level is low or, that there's a pressure imbalance in the brake system. However, if the parking brake is inadvertently applied, it'll cause the brake warning light to go on as well.
Possible Reason for Brake Light on Dashboard is ON
(1) Brake fluid level is low.
(2) Pressure imbalance on the brake system.
(3) The parking brake is inadvertently applied.
If the parking brake was applied slightly or fully, then the parking brake is tripping brake warning light. The parking brake and brake warning light are sort of "tied" together to remind you when the parking brake is on. So, when the parking brake is even the slightest bit applied, the brake warning light comes on.
What to do?
If brake light on the dashboard suddenly ON, make sure the parking brake is released while driving.
If the parking brake is not engaged, Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the brake fluid reservoir; it is usually sitting on top of the master cylinder. While looking at it, rock the vehicle slightly in order to see where the fluid level is at. Do not remove the reservoir cap for this.
If the brake fluid is low, the lack of brake fluid is causing the brake warning light to go on.
One thing that will always turn the brake warning light on is a lack of brake fluid. As you indicated, the brake fluid level is low. Therefore, the brake warning light came on.
What to do?
Buy yourself a can of high-quality brake fluid ("DOT 3" or "DOT 4", as it's called) and carefully add enough to just fill up the brake fluid reservoir. Do not leave the brake fluid reservoir open any longer than necessary. Doing so will cause the brake fluid to become contaminated by moisture in the air and this will then lead to a whole slew of new problems. Also, for the same reason, throw the can of brake fluid away when done. More importantly, why the brake fluid level is low? Could there be a leak somewhere in the brake system??? Please take this vehicle to a reputable shop the first chance you get and ask the mechanic to inspect the brake system.
If the brake fluid is not low, then the problem is a pressure imbalance on the hydraulic system.
The brake warning light will come on if there is any type of pressure imbalance in the brake hydraulic system. There are many things that can cause an imbalance including a collapsed brake hose, damaged brake line, or an internal leak in the master cylinder.
What to do?
In this situation, you should have this vehicle towed to a reputable garage. Why tow it? Because something is seriously wrong with its brakes and therefore it's not safe to drive. If you're lucky, the problem may be simple and inexpensive. Regardless, whenever the brake warning light comes on, it's always serious since your safety is at risk.
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