Handbrake / brake warning light

[Stu87]

Hi there was wondering if anyone could help at all. So basically my handbrake light on the dash never goes out. The pads are fine and do brake fluid is fine and sensor been changed. Garage haven't got a clue and I can't get the damn thing off! Anyone else come across this? Thanks

 

[DaveDreads]

I had this, topped the fluid up and it went away, but changed the pads soon after and when I pushed the piston back in fluid overflowed out the bottle and the light came back but this time it flickered depending on whether I was accelerating, braking, or pointing up or downhill, then the other week one of my handbrake cables snapped so replaced both, once they were adjusted the light's gone away and hasn't come back.

So if your brakes are fine, fluid is topped up then i'm guessing it's handbrake cable related, they might need tightening up.

 

[Stu87]

I had this, topped the fluid up and it went away, but changed the pads soon after and when I pushed the piston back in fluid overflowed out the bottle and the light came back but this time it flickered depending on whether I was accelerating, braking, or pointing up or downhill, then the other week one of my handbrake cables snapped so replaced both, once they were adjusted the light's gone away and hasn't come back.

So if your brakes are fine, fluid is topped up then i'm guessing it's handbrake cable related, they might need tightening up.

Thanks along for the reply. Yeah the pads are fine and fluid is all topped up. Been like it since I bought the car 18 months ago. Has never once gone off. I'll have a look at the cables and hopefully that will do the trick. Cheers

 

[DaveDreads]

Another possibility is a sticking rear calliper, so when you release the handbrake it's not releasing enough for the light to go out.

 

[bloke]

have you checked the switch?

 

[Stu87]

have you checked the switch?

What switch is this please?

 

[Stu87]

Unfortunately I have been super busy lately and had no time to look at it further. I don't think it will be the rear caliper as it's been the same problem for 2 years. One of my handbrake cables snapped the other day and my mot is tomorrow so I'm going to get the garage to have a look and fingers crossed replacing the cables will sort the problem out once and for all! Cheers guys!

 

[bloke]

What switch is this please?

handbrake switch.

 

[Chrisgti6]

As above, it'll be the switch on the handbrake that's the problem I'd imagine. Calipers and handbrake cables won't do anything for the light on the dash.

 

[Christopher]

Should be the little plunger switch in the lever if you've tried everything else.