Last night and this morning when I started up the runner the dash light that says BRAKE! was on. I never use my emergency brake and it went off after about 20 minutes of driving. I also noticed the light got slightly brighter when I actually engaged the E brake. Would an 89 1st gen runner have a brake wear sensor that would set off this light to indicate service was needed? Any input would be appreciated thanks guys.

 

Check brake fluid reservoir, add it till its spilling out.

 

is your battery light on too? this just happened to me and thanks to this forum i found out it was my alternator.

 

Yea I just read in the manual it has a fluid low sensor. Its at the MIN level right now and still stopping ok I'll fill it after work today thanks!

 

If its not your fluid level (in another thread I read there is a separate light for the low brake fluid level) check your E-light switch that actually turns on the light , may be sticking a bit .

 

those e brake handles rattle around just enough to trip the switch for light then it will rattle some more and it will go off

 

That happened to me. I was driving a logging road, lots of mud and water. then my charge light and brake light came on. there was plenty of brake fluid, but my alternator was covered in mud.
when i got home, i disconnected the battery and hosed of the engine bay, getting the alternator really well. hooked up the battery next morning, no more problems!

 

Unless you have recently replaced your brakes, check your brake pads. The fluid level decreases as your brakes wear. Had to replace mine when it came on. If fluid level is low, there's a reason, unless you know of a leak.

 

I know this post is a little old, but... some helpfull insight maybe.

My 92 reg cab did the same thing, i tried tightening the e-brake line (as i use my ebrake), didnt help, tried replacing the switch/adding extra fluid, didnt help.

Ended up needing front pads/rotors about the same time, after replacing those components the problem has gone away, and is no longer existent.

Just an idea?

 

No thread is too old to post in , didn't you read the rules ROFL J/K in case you didn't pick that up

 

You really shouldn't force water into an alternator. That can create a lot more problems.

 

speaking of brakes and rotors, does anyone have any experience with the drilled/slotted rotors? i know they do a lot for new cars, but is there actually a difference with our old trucks? sorry to thread hijack

 

Yeah like bearing (forcing water in sealed bearing, they are sealed but not under 2500 psi) going bad or a shorted/open diode .