2003 tacoma, in the morning, when cold, if i hit a bump or press the brake with a bit more force than needed the brake light comes on for about 8-10 seconds, no clue why. its annoying as hell.any help is much appreciated

 

Check your fluid...
If it is not up to max fill it...
Mine did that at first, just when it was cold or I braked hard...
Then it came on and stayed on...
Thats when it get annoying...

 

thanks

 

Yes, check the fluid level. Low fluid level could also mean an indication that your brakes may be needing service soon, too.

 

the fluid was exactly halfway between max&add, and the truck only has 25000 mile on it

what is the "O" gasket mod?

 

I know that the 2nd gens were notorious for throwing a brake light for even the slightest drop of brake fluid below the upper line. It would be more noticeable in cold weather due to the change in fluid density.

 

Add fluid!
Still get the brakes check, and while your checking check your rear axel to see if the seals are leaking...
It may have only 25K on it but you never know...
My brakes went in 25K, but mine went prematurly in the last 5K cause I busted the axel seals out...

The 3rd Gen is the same way, mine was just about 2 cm under the max line and wouldn't you know it that light just didn't like it...
Added a little and viola no more light...

 

Mine did that when I first got it, I topped off the fluid, havent seen that light since. Let us know!!

 

i know that it is still a new truck--however my 97 4rnr resevior sensor went bad and i had to replace it. Try the old Paper Trick test to determine whether the sensor is going bad. really cheap test (.02$)

 

the pads are fine, front and rear. the axle seals aren't leaking, and i added fluid, so we'll see if thats it. i hope so.

thanks to all !!

whats the paper test?

 

paper clip test.....I dont think it work on an OBDII car will it? I thought you had to have an OBDII Scan Tool, I know the diagnostic box, paper clip/jumper wire stuff worked on OBDI Cars....
But an 03 Taco is definitely OBDII

 

yeah taco's are OBDII

 

it was fluid, i didn't think that little bit would matter, but it did. thanks all

 

Glad to help!!

 

My brake light has been on and off for a month now... I figured it was just getting old... (my '97 4R has 225,000 miles on her) but now I will check the brake fluid!

Thanks!

 

it worked for me

 

Sorry it is not the "Paper" trick but the Paperclip trick. The brake like sensor is a simple open close circuit and doesnt run through the computer. you disconnect the fluid resevior sensor wire and bend a paperclip so that you can insert it into the senor wire bung (one side of the paperclip for each side of the sensor wire bung). Leave one side in and push in/pull out the other side. If the light goes on an off as you do this then it is probably the sensor in the resevior.

Sorry for the long post--never tried to describe this before. anyways-->.02$ test. If it stays on then you know you have other problems.