Handbrake warning light

[baldtyres]

Handbrake warning light stayed on while doing the school run this morning. A few starts & stops later in the morning it went out. This happened once a few years ago too.
No evidence that the handbrake was on during any part of this.
Anyone suggest what might cause this?

[The Bull]

something similar happened to me a few years ago on a Nissan Almera I had, problem turned out to be low brake fluid level, might be worth a look.

[johnny]

correct me if im wrong, but that light isint only for the handbrake, but it a general brake warning light. As The Bull said brake fluid could be low or ur pads may need changing

[baldtyres]

problem turned out to be low brake fluid level, might be worth a look.

Just had a look under the bonnet with my limited knowledge of motors and assume one of those white capped reserves to the left rear (below driver side windscreen wiper) is the brake fluid. Is it the larger one suggesting 'Dot somthing fluid'?
If so - its half way between full and empty. Otherwise it's all Japanese to me!
Time I booked her in for a service anyway!

[baldtyres]

brake fluid could be low or ur pads may need changing

The pads were changed last service - 10000klms ago so I wouldn't imagine it's that. Was working on the loose wire theory myself but if it's the fluid (see previous thread) can anyone verify its location?

[CJ]

The pads were changed last service - 10000klms ago so I wouldn't imagine it's that.

Depends how you drive it!

Was working on the loose wire theory myself but if it's the fluid (see previous thread) can anyone verify its location?

Baldtyres, check out this thread: http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... .php?t=952

The brake fluid resevoir is on the LHS of the engine bay near the firewall, its got a white cap about 2.5 inches wide.

CJ

[baldtyres]

Had a look at those threads CJ - Will now start dismantling the inside of the car.
Cheers Johnny & Mr. Bull.... (I'm still open to other suggestions until I, or my mechanic sorts this).
Thing is when It happened before I'm not quite sure what fixed it but it went away, but those warning lights must be there for some purpose....possibly to warn me of something.

[CJ]

but those warning lights must be there for some purpose....possibly to warn me of something.

Taken from the linked post (for those who stumble across this thread at some stage in the future):

1. Low compound on front pads
2. Low compound on rear pads
3. Brake fluid level is below minimum
4. Cap diaphram on resevoir is sticking
5. The hardbrake cable needs to be tightened up (remove the cup holder and all will become clear)

CJ

[pergau]

It could be a sticky switch on the handbrake AFAIK ir's jut a microswitch that is pressed in by the handbrake lever.

[baldtyres]

It could be a sticky switch on the handbrake AFAIK ir's jut a microswitch that is pressed in by the handbrake lever.

Hope so, thats my usual diagnosis
Head in the sand or black tape over dials should fix it!

[The Bull]

baldtyres, if there's a kerryman haulin hay around with a tow-bar equiped FTO i dont see why you cant be the first FTO driver with a deployed parachute type braking system!
I reckon you should batter the brake callipers off with a sledge-hammer and fashion up a chute from an auld pair of curtains

[Muad_dib77]

It could be a sticky switch on the handbrake AFAIK ir's jut a microswitch that is pressed in by the handbrake lever.

Hope so, thats my usual diagnosis
Head in the sand or black tape over dials should fix it!

As far as I remember there's a little switch somewhere under the gear lever.. I'd need to sit in my car to tell you exactly where to find it..

It's possible that this just needs a squirt of wd40 .. (not to be confused with vd-40 )

[gt94]

Did you have a screeching noise by any chance when u drove this happened me in my gt starlet light stayed on.My handbrake cable was frozen as car had been parked up for about 6hrs on a very cold night.

[baldtyres]

Did you have a screeching noise by any chance when u drove this happened me in my gt starlet light stayed on.My handbrake cable was frozen as car had been parked up for about 6hrs on a very cold night.

Nope, no noise, not a freezing night either but wondering if that godalmighty unmerciful rain that fell might have found it's way into the electrics somehow.
Must try Muad's DubyaD 40 suggestion, failing that, the Bull's curtains option will do just fine

[steelroe]

I had this problem some time back and it turned out to be a stuck diagphragm in the reservoir. Remove the white cap and give the rubber a tap. Replace and see if it solves the problem

[baldtyres]

I had this problem some time back and it turned out to be a stuck diagphragm in the reservoir. Remove the white cap and give the rubber a tap. Replace and see if it solves the problem

OK, just did that, the thing is it's not a common problem, if it doesn't happen for a while or ever again we won't know what the problem is or what exactly fixed it. Hope it's only a small problem.

Fair play to ye lads....small problem and ye all come blazin in like the cavalry
Anyone got a solution to a small Haemorrhoid problem, not sure if it's FTO related

[The Bull]

Baldtyres wrote

Anyone got a solution to a small Haemorrhoid problem, not sure if it's FTO related

If this is an analogy for tail-gaters then a few pool balls out the sunroof usually helps them to keep their distance , if its not, i recommend a box of matches and a paint scraper ( or preperation H if your a wimp )

Good look with the brakes

[baldtyres]

if its not, i recommend a box of matches and a paint scraper ( or preperation H if your a wimp )

Good look with the brakes

Thanks Mr. Bull, tried the matches and scraper......killed two birds with one stone......piles gone and now cannot sit, walk or drive a car......success