What is the dash light beside the brake light for?

[Erikir]

I've had this orange light turn on twice while at a stop light. As soon as I start moving again, the light goes out.

[Erikir]

Oops, forgot to mention it's an 81 300D

[jbaj007]

Brake pad sensor is telling you to check/replace pads/rotors.

[Erikir]

Ahh, that would explain the slight grinding I felt this morning. I figured it was just surface rust because it went away almost immediatly.

I guess I'll be doing brakes in the morning then.

[lrg]

When the wear sensor light goes off you should still have a fair amount of brake pad left. It never hurts to change them right away but if you can't get to it right away don't sweat it. Depending upon how you drive you should have another 500-1,000 miles left.