Nissan Repair: Brake Warning Light, brake warning light, nissan altima

Question
The brake warning light has stayed on in my 1997 Nissan Altima for a few months now.  I checked the owner's manual and it simply said to check the brake fluid which appears to me to be fine.  I know nothing about cars and I'm afraid of going to a mechanic and getting robbed blind.  Any ideas on what else it could be?

Answer
Hi Nicole -

The brake light will go on for 3 reasons:

1. Low brake pressure

2. Low brake fluid

3. Hand brake applied

Assuming it is not 2 and 3, I would try bleeding the brakes and see what happens.

Does your car have ABS (Anti-skid braking system)?

Let me know -
aloha
calvin