2000 S40. Just got an oil change, and all my fluids topped off. All's good.

Next day a red "Brake" light began coming on intermittently.

What's going on? Do I need to take it in to the dealership? Help. Never had this problem until I got the oil changed.

Who changed the oil?

Did you pay to have your fluids checked and topped off?

Did you get any kind of written report?

I wouldn't park my car across the street from a fast lube place!

Did "you" check the brake fluid level or are you relying on the oil change place guys. If it's the latter, I'd double check.

What are the circumstances when the light comes on intermittently?
Going uphill?
Going downhill?
When stopping normally?
When accelerating?
When going around a curve?
Etc., etc.

You really need to provide more details.
If you can't, then yes, you may want to take it somewhere.
--
"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different' - Sharon Craig

It doesn't take any special circumstances. It's just randomly and very briefly flashes on. I didn't even know what it was initially but happened to catch it last night. It's very fast and very random. ONly been happening for 3 days since the oil change. I'm not a mechanic. I'm a mom and don't know alot about cars.....wouldn't know how to check the brake fluid. I know alot about old volvos simply cuz I had one for about 15 years.....

Just wondering if this is a Volvo quirk or something to be concerned about.

I see where you're coming from, but think it's unwise to say "ignore it, it's just a quirk" when considering potential brake issues.

Sure, the symptom you describe could be as simple as the brake fluid is a little low - that's normal. As the brake linings wear out, the brake fluid displaces that wear.

It's kind of tough to describe where to look, how to check. The reservoir is on the driver's side under the hood near the firewall. It is an opaque plastic round canister with a black top. There should be index marks on the side of the canister. It gets pretty dirty, so you may have to clean off the side to see the fluid.

Look in your owner's manual for the location. It should also tell you how to check it. Owner's manuals have tons of important information that you should be aware of.
If you don't have the owner's manual, they're available on-line through Volvo's web site.
--
"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different' - Sharon Craig

Hi. Thanks, I just checked the fluid and it's right at the 'min' line. I'm assuming this means I must bring it in. I have no idea why it started days after the oil change; coincidental I guess, but very strange.

You can bring it to the "max" level yourself. It's simply adding type DOT 4 brake fluid to the reservoir.
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on painted surfaces - it'll ruin the finish.

Monitor the level for a few days after filling it to make sure it's not leaking out somewhere. That would be a problem that you shouldn't ignore.
--
"Differences of opinions should be tolerated, but not if they're too different' - Sharon Craig