Ford Mercury Villager 1997 Owner's Manual page 13

Indicator Lights and Chimes
Brake System Warning Light
The warning light for the brakes can show two things — that the
parking brake is not fully released, or that the brake fluid
level is low in the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by your dealer or a
qualified service technician.
Brake system and parking brake light
The BRAKE light normally illuminates when you turn the ignition
key to the ON position to verify that the indicator bulb is
working. If the light stays on or comes on when the engine is
running and after you have released the parking brake fully, have
the hydraulic brake system serviced.
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes may not be
working properly. Have the brakes checked immediately.
Instrumentation
WARNING
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