Handbrake light staying on

[Bernard]

My hand brake light was staying on the last couple of days, some of you saw it at the meet.

I popped out the cubby hold near the gearstick (thanks CJ) to take a look.
Inside, there was a couple of wires going into a small red connector.
There must have been a loose connection because as soon as I went near it one of the wires disconnected.

Now the light is staying off bar when the handbrake is on, the way it should.

I'm just wondering if the wires there are purely for the handbrake or brakes in general? Has the problem been sorted out by disconnecting the wire or is it just hiding a warning?

[pergau]

The handbrake light will come on when the brake pads are worn as well so you should have a look at them.

[steelroe]

Brake fluid level aswell

[ftolam13]

Brake fluid

[Muad_dib77]

definately get that wire soldered back on.. then top up your brake fluid.. if the light stays on then check your pads.

[Bernard]

I reconnected the wire, (and fixed a loose armrest in the process ) so now the light is back on.
I also checked the brake fluid which seems fine.

I'm getting my mechanic to take a look on Friday so fingers crossed.

I noticed the light flickering under cornering today, so I'm thinking maybe there might be a loose sensor somewhere...

And no, before anyone askes my G-force sensor didn't light up

[steelroe]

Does the light stay on all the time. I had a problem some time back with the light coming on checked everything and eventually foun the resevoir sensor was stuck. take off res cap and press the rubber under the cap up and down a couple of times.

[Bernard]

The light stays on almost all the time, it flickered and went off for a few seconds while going round a bend today though...

take off res cap and press the rubber under the cap up and down a couple of times.

Did that, moved it around a good bit, I also felt around the filter in the reservoir to see if it was blocked but that seemed fine too.

[steelroe]

I reckon the sensor on the his faulty. All it is is a switch, check it for constant continuity with brake up and down.

[Bernard]

When I had the wire disconnected I checked the handbrake switch.
Pressed it in and out, the dash light went on and off so I don't think the switch is at fault...

It could be just worn pads, I suppose I'll find out either way on Friday.

[steelroe]

Even if the pads were worn, i think once the res is topped up the light should stay off. There is no pad wear indicator on the FTO, the res level is used for this.
At least that is my take on it

[Bernard]

My mechanic had a look today,the light came back on when the wire earthed off anyhing.
He couldn't find anything wrong so he disconnected it again.
He also checked the sensor on the brake fluid reservoir, no problem there.

[Kace]

Bernard - you ever get this sorted? Mine has started to act up recently as well and has been staying on every now and again.

[Bernard]

That's a while ago...
To be honest I can't remember doing anything else with it so I presume I left it disconnected.
I'll pop the cover open tomorrow and take a peek.

[Kace]

The guys in NCT land didn't mind that the light isn't operational then?

[Bernard]

Well since one of the wires disconnected it has worked fine so no NCT problems.
I'm still none the wiser with what was wrong.

[optical illusion]

The light stays on almost all the time, it flickered and went off for a few seconds while going round a bend today though...

Mine does this too from time to time. Handbrake handle was a bit loose at the time when it was happening me. Tightened the cable up a bit and had no problems since.

In general, and maybe it's just me, but FTO handbrakes are crap. Paul Nolan tightened mine and I have to yank it all the way to the sky to stop the car rolling back. It's kinda dangerous I suppose...

[Sebastian]

The light stays on almost all the time, it flickered and went off for a few seconds while going round a bend today though...

Mine does this too from time to time. Handbrake handle was a bit loose at the time when it was happening me. Tightened the cable up a bit and had no problems since.

In general, and maybe it's just me, but FTO handbrakes are crap. Paul Nolan tightened mine and I have to yank it all the way to the sky to stop the car rolling back. It's kinda dangerous I suppose...

I replaced my cables with brand new ones , never had a problem since on that car .