Brake Alert Light

[Matthew Poynter <mpoynter@zoo.uvm.edu>]

On my newly-purchased 1987 5kqtw the orange brake pad warning light is
always on. The previous owner said that a wire was missing which is
causing this.  I inspected the pads and they are all pleanty thick.
During this inspection I noticed a free wire that looks as though it
should plug into the driver's side front caliper somewhare and there
looks to be a fitting that retains this wure to a a location near the
caliper.  Is the wire in question or have I "discovered" the outside
temperature sensor?  Does anyone know what part I MIGHT need or what to
call it?  Also, does this sensor being constitutively active cause my
RED brake alert light to come on whenever I brake hard or are these
things unrelated (the pedal is kinda soft and falls some if it remains
depressed [like the MC may be not so good] but the brake and power
steering [hydraulic] fluid are at the appropriate levels.)?

Thanks,

Matt Poynter