'03 "Service Brakes" message

[Mike in Austin]

'03 w/ 41k miles. It happened to my wife a week ago and it happened to me yesterday. Upon starting the truck, the red "Brake" light stays on and the digital message reads "Service Brakes". But I turned the truck off and started it again and everything is ok. I did not drive with the light on, but wife drove a short distance before calling me and asking what to do, and she said it felt "really wierd". I told her to restart it an everything was ok. Anybody have a similar experience or advice?

[David Proske]

Mine has done this since new. Sometimes happens a couple times a day. Sometimes not for weeks. However the truck stops normally when I get the message. A feller told me the ABS will not work when getting this message.

[markrinker]

I get this message with my '03 gasser - most often when using remote start, then forgetting to put in the key and having it die when you tap the brake to put it into gear.

Go figure.

[jbplock]

I had a similar message on my 04 Impala .. turned out to be the ABS sensor in the real wheel bearing assembly ... dealer had replace the whole assy (under warranty)...

[madmatt]

Ive seen several w/ the service brake light staying on and it was easily corrected w/ a reprogram to the ebcm per bulletin #04-05-25-005a. none of the units I worked on had a brake performance conplaint though. check your fluid level and rear calipers for leaks around the fittings also.