Hello to all. I am new to the forum and I own 2 '00 Outbacks. On one of them, just recently, the Brake indicator on the dashboard stays lit when the parking brake is disengaged and periodically turns on and off, especially when it is cold. I am going to check brake fluid level and have not recently inspected the brakes themselves. HELP!

My guess would be the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. Our van has a sensor in the master cylinder and when the fluid gets low the brake light (on the dash) comes on along with the warning chime. I can tell when its getting low because it will start flashing when I make a hard right hand turn.

Hello to all. I am new to the forum and I own 2 '00 Outbacks. On one of them, just recently, the Brake indicator on the dashboard stays lit when the parking brake is disengaged and periodically turns on and off, especially when it is cold. I am going to check brake fluid level and have not recently inspected the brakes themselves. HELP!

 

I got the exact same thing with my 96 Outback last winter. Apparently, the changes in temperature caused the rubber cup on the cap to expand to a point where it was pushing the brake fluid level float down to activate the brake light. I just pushed the rubber cup back into the cap and all was well. If your brake fluid level is normal, then check the rubber cup and if it is extended, just push it back until the bottom is flush with the bottom of the cap.

Also as your brake pads wear, the fluid in the master cylinder will go down, hence the "low fluid" warning.

All the above plus your switch for the EB might be sticking....

Hello to all. I am new to the forum and I own 2 '00 Outbacks. On one of them, just recently, the Brake indicator on the dashboard stays lit when the parking brake is disengaged and periodically turns on and off, especially when it is cold. I am going to check brake fluid level and have not recently inspected the brakes themselves. HELP!

 

UPDATE: Thanks to all for the great tips. I did check the bladder and it was fine. I was in dire need of brake fluid though (almost below min).

Next thing to do is check your brake pads. Brake fluid is in a closed system; assuming it isn't leaking anywhere, the likely cause for decrease in fluid is that as the pads wear down the fluid level drops accordingly.

I was in dire need of brake fluid though (almost below min).

New member and had this problem as well. Great response(s) as to potential problems. Checked last night when I got home and yes indeed - the suggested fix pushing back the rubber stopper did the trick. Of course I need to add a bit more fluid to keep it from dropping down again. Yeah - no brake indicator remaining on. Great resource!!