Hi All,

 

My handbrake light stays on for ages (at least 15 mins) even after i've taken the handbrake off.

 

Is this just an electrical glitch? or is it a syptom of something worse?

 

I'd appreciate any help.

 

snx.

The switch has probably gone.

yeah. sounds like the switch is either faulty or sticky. anyone dropped pop or a milkshake down by the handbrake? i'd just take it out, clean it up and saok it in WD40 for a bit then try it back on. if it still doesnt work swap it. if it still doesnt work..... urm..... dunno.

si.

First thing to check is your brake fluid level buddy ;)

sim: is brake fluid and handbrake light the same one on these cars? i've never really looked? cheers.

si.

No idea but fluid easy to check, drivers side of the engine bay on firewall

sim: is brake fluid and handbrake light the same one on these cars? i've never really looked? cheers.

si.

 

Most cars use the hand brake light to warn about brake fluid.

yep... Handbrake light doubles as breakfluid level warning... I know cause I had a leaky master cylinder. If the levels low check that it's not leaking.... HTH

Thanks for the advice guys, will check.

Have finally got round to checking the brake fluid, looks ok. So it's probably the switch, anyone know how i get to it? Is it a case of just lifting up the handbrake's surround?

 

thanks.

 

snx.

To get to it you need to remove the surround. If you remove the radio surround then you will be able to get at two screws hidden underneth that hold the entire gearstick/handbrake surround in place. There is also a screw in the armrest and under the ash tray if i remember rightly.

 

HTH

My "fluid warning light" was on for a while (until the car got warm in the morning) when my pads was getting worn (it was about a year ago). The level was still OK when looking at the reservoir, but the light came on for about 10-15 min especially when driving up hill and the car was cold. Top up with some fluid or change the pads.

 

I would think that it is teh "fluid warning switch" that is causing the light to come on. You can disconnect the conector from the reservoir cap when it is on (leave the hand brake off on a flat surface with teh engine on) and if this turn teh light off you have found teh reason.

 

/ Hans