The brake warning light (not ABS) has two switches that will illuminate it:
Brake fluid level switch, and the parking brake switch.

Check your brake fluid level first. You can try and play around with the parking brake lever to see if you can cause it to illuminate when the parking brake is released.

 

I did some quick research in case you didn't find anything obviously wrong. If your fluid is ok, and your parking brake is adjusted correctly (lever stroke when warning switch comes on = 1 click), then you will be checking for a closed switch or a short to ground.

The brake fluid level switch plug is #E37 and it should be located near / on the reservoir: Left side engine compartment. See pages EL-251 & 252 of the FSM. I believe that is a NO switch, so check for continuity (stuck switch).

Parking brake switch plug is # M49 and the location is listed on page EL-246 & 247.

See page EL-89 for the warning light wiring diagram.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Xterra/2001_Xterra/el.pdf

 

Mogman,
thank you for the reply and then the detailed reply! I actually read the FSM for fun. I have learned a lot from it.
I just could not find anything for the brake light and what caused it. Probably my inept at searching really. I will dive into trying your suggestions Saturday.

 

BTW- did you finish your Mog? That is a beast! Why did you decide to restore it? looks good!

 

BTW- did you finish your Mog? That is a beast! Why did you decide to restore it? looks good!

Thanks. For the most part it is done, but things like Mogs & Xterras are never really finished (the parts pile merely gets smaller). I bought it to restore so I could keep myself busy while my wife went through grad school.

Let us know if you find anything on the brakes.

 

I had bled the breaks last summer, I suppose as time went on and brakes wore out, thus causing the brake cylinder to be pushed out futher, thus reducing the fluid level, that it finally caught up.

Mogman- Topped off the fluid and TADA no light. YEAY!!
mark this one Solved!

thank you!

 

usually if your brakes have worn enough to cause the fluid to get that low, its time for new pads. its possible that you were sitting on the low line after bleeding the system and needed to be topped off, but since its a closed system there should be no situation where you need to add fluid unless you have bled the system and made it low, or if you compressed the brake pistons with the lid off the reservoir and some spilled out. If you know it wasnt low after your did the brakes and bled the system then you should inspect it for a possible leak somewhere.

 

I had bled the breaks last summer, I suppose as time went on and brakes wore out, thus causing the brake cylinder to be pushed out futher, thus reducing the fluid level, that it finally caught up.

Mogman- Topped off the fluid and TADA no light. YEAY!!
mark this one Solved!

thank you!

Yay for easy fixes!

Intender is right about those pads. It might be a good idea to check 'em. Make sure you don't spooge brake fluid all over your engine compartment if you have to replace them.