Hi,
I live in the frigid Northeast of Vermont and my '02 Trooper has a new "glitch" this winter. I have noticed that anytime the temperature gets below 10 degrees, the "Brake" idiot light the dashboard comes on until the rig has warmed up. When I first drive it after startup, the idiot light will stay on ... it won't go out until after warmup and driving for awhile. The breaks work fine, although until warmed up the brake pedal is pretty stiff. Is this an indication that maybe it's time to flush the brake system and replenish with new fluid or?? The fluid is original and is full ... not low on fluid. TIA ... Fred.

I was going to say low on fluid, but you clearly state it is not.

When it turns on what happens if you pump the e-brake a couple of times?

If you have +50k on the fluid it can't hurt to have it flushed.

Pumping the E-brake has had no result on the Brake light. The only way the light goes out is after the rig has warmed up for awhile (5-10 mins of driving). And, after it warms up, the brake pedal is definitely less stiff than it is at startup.

Do you set the emergency brake when you park the vehicle at night?

The emergency cable is in actuality two cables, or rather a cable and sheath. The ends of the sheath where the cable enters is sealed with a rubber boot. After a while, the boot no longer seals tightly and water can get into the sheath. The water then freezes and can lead to the symptoms you describe.

If at all possible, try parking your vehicle without putting on the emergency brake to see if the same symptoms occur.

Jim,
Thanks for the feedback. I don't typically utilize the parking brake when I park in my driveway overnight. However, I do think that I used it a day or so before I saw the "Brake" light come on. I won't use the parking brake for the forseeable future and see if it makes any difference going forward. Question: where is the rubber boot/sheath that you speak about? I could take a look at it and see if it looks worn/tattered at all. Thanks ... Fred.

You'll have to get under the rig and follow the cable back from where it appears under the truck until you find the boot. It should be pretty self-evident.

If you're setting the park brake after you've driven it maybe the pads are freezing to warm rotors and stick. After 5-10 minutes of driving they would warm enough to fully release and the light would go off. Just a thought