'88 5ktqa brake warning light mystery

[tom winter]

Ben said:
 Brake pads are relatively new all-around, all reserviors full and power
steering pump has been changed to known good working one, fresh pentosin
hydr. fluid, etc.  Yet I get this brake warning symbol when the ignition is
turned on, regardless of whether engine is running or not.  This is the
Brake or ((!)) symbol which stays on for the duration while ignition is on.
Occasionally I get a red triangle warning for brake pads worn when I step on
the pedal hard/more forceful braking.

Ben - I had a similar problem with an '87 Avant. The ((!)) light was on
continuously despite new brake pads, etc. The problem was that the bearings
in one of the front wheels were bad (they made no noise and I didn't notice
any play, but that's another story). The result was that a sensor got
worn/ground down. I didn't do the repair myself so I can't offer a lot of
details, but once the bearings were replaced and the sensor re-positioned,
the light went off. Not sure if this will help, but you might want to take a
close look at all brake sensors in your front end and see if they exhibit
any wear. That might be an indication of a similar problem. Sorry I can't
offer any more details.

Tom