I have a 96 Saturn SL2. My brake light on my dash comes on while I am driving, When I apply the brakes after about 1 or 2 seconds the light turns off. Then after I release the brakes and start driving again the brake light comes back on. The brake fluid seems to be full and the brakes are functioning normal, I am just concerned because the light is coming on. Any help or ideas as to what may be causing this?

 

(1) Check your emergency brake lever, and make sure it is fully released.

(2) When the light comes on, does the warning chime sound (4 chimes)?

(3) When the light comes on, do you notice that the pedal seems harder to push, or that it takes a longer distance for you to stop?

The hydraulic system on your Saturn is divided into two parts. If one part isn't working, the other part will still work and stop you. For optimal braking however, you need to have both parts working properly. If the emergency brake wasn't causing the light to come on, I'd suspect a problem with the master cylinder. Need more information to be sure though

 

(1) My first thought was the emergency brake lever and I have double and triple checked to make sure it was not that.

(2) No there is no chiming noise at all. just the light.

(3) No there is no difference in the pedal. However it has seemed for the past couple of years as though the brakes have gradually been not stopping as good as they should be. When I drive my wifes van I notice myself hitting the brakes too hard in her van and practically putting it on it's nose because I am used to pressing harder on my car brakes.

 

So do you think as brakes wear out over the years they should need less force and stop better?