The reservoir seems to have been the problem. The first time I checked I only removed the protective rubber cap and when I saw a drop of fluid on top of the inner plastic filler cap I assumed it was full. Wrong! Today upon removing said plastic cap I discovered that the reservoir was empty. Fortunately several weeks ago when the light first came on I removed the ABS motor fuse so as not to listen the whirring sound while pondering what to do. This morning after pouring several ounces of fluid into the reservoir, replacing the fuse, and restarting the engine there was a one second whirring sound and the light went out immediately.
The information received from this message board has saved me much inconvenience and expense for which I shall remain eternally grateful.
the krohn