I have a 1999 Expedition and the brake light just came on. The ABS light is not on and the truck seems to drive fine. Any idea what I should be checking?

 

check brake fluid level (back corner of engine bay on drivers side) and that your parking brake is not applied

 

Yep... also try pulling up on the parking break pedal. Sometimes it is not applied, but it sags slightly and activates the light.

If your brake fluid is low, first check the wear on your brakes, then check for slow leaks. Either your brakes are very worn, or you have a leak somewhere.

 

Brake fluid was low. I didn't know the light would come on for that. I guess I need to check for brake fluid leaks tonight. Thanks!

 

Don't know how old your rig is, but check the brake pads. As the lining wears, you'll increase the travel. Fluid fills the void. Doesn't hurt to look for leaks, but I'd would think you'd have low brake pressure or fading pedal.

 

Yep - that is the main point of the brake light. If you run out of fluid, you don't stop!

This is to make sure if you have a leak, you are warned before you get a half-system failure.

A warning to all - Do NOT ignore a brake light. I have heard several stories of people that have ignored the light, and then had a failure that caused them to rear-end someone.