Questions and Answers

Oldsmobile 98 Dash Brake Light Is On Q. I have a 1986 Oldsmobile 98 Regency with a 3.8 liter and about 105,000 miles. Recently the Brake Indicator light came on while driving on my way home from work. There seems to be no noticeable change in the brake performance and fluid levels are full. Is the switch on either my brake pedal or emergency pedal the culprit or is there a larger underlying problem that is specific to this type of car.

All previous brake work was done by Midas from the previous owner (family member) so regular maintenance has been performed routinely.

A. Are we talking about the RED brake light or is it AMBER ABS light? If it's the RED light, it could be low fluid in the master cylinder or a bad switch on the parking brake. Most times with the red light you can apply the parking brake and, if it's switch is good, the light will get just a bit brighter.

You don't want to just keep driving it with the RED light on. You will need to get it looked at ASAP! An ABS problem can also cause the red light to come on but it usually also brings on the ABS light.