With cooler weather starting to arrive, it reminds me of a puzzling problem I had last winter with my 91 4runner 5spd. The dashboard brake light comes on intermittently while driving. Some times it stays on and I can't get it to go off, pushing the brake pedal or the hand brake does not effect it. This usually only happens in colder weather- probably around freezing or colder. The annoying part of it is that the cruise control will not work while the light is on. Is this faulty signal telling the cruise control to shut off because I am braking? I was planning to first replace the switch at the brake pedal, but I am wondering if there is a computer chip somewhere or some sensor that may be the culprit. Anyone run into this before?

 

Check your brake fluid level. The cruise control problem is common I think with low brake fluid causing the light to turn on.

 

Unplug the sensor on the brake fluid reservoir. Over time the brake fluid eats away at the float sensor. Just unplug it and check your brake fluid on a regular basis.