General Brake warning light and other question

[burgmeister]

Hello chaps,

was recommended to you guys on pistonheads. Me and my friend are taking a 1999 2.8idtd Ducato ambulance to mongolia this summer. Check out ambulancetomongolia. com

Now i have two questions.

1) the brake warning light is on and i have no idea why. The front pads are fine, and the air filter is fine so why is the light on? The handbrake sensor works correctly as the light gets brighter when the handbrake is on. The handbrake however is useless and needs adjusting. could this be the issue?

2) Could anyone compile a list of the spare parts you think we may need along the way? We are bringing tyres etc but what filters and other spare parts would you bring should you be undertaking this adventure?

Thanks

 

[Torq]

Wow, that's a drive and a half! Now on to your questions.

1. The brake warning light comes on for.
a. handbrake engaged,
b. worn pads,
c. low brake fluid level.

You say that the light gets brighter when you put the hand brake on. It sounds like you have a slight earth somewhere. when you put on the handbrake or the pads wear down what is happening is that you are completing a circuit by supplying an earth. Start by disconnecting the pad wires one side at a time and checking the light, see what happens. Next remove the cover over the handbrake and disconnect the switch, again see what happens. Lastly, on the brake fluid resevoir, disconnect the two wires and check the light. One of these tests should tell you which circuit the problem lies with.

2. What spares to bring?
Brake pads, disks, a pair of drive shafts, bulbs, shocks, springs and a mechanic!!

Best of luck!
Torq

 

[burgmeister]

Cheers, will check your list of suggestions tomorrow. List of spares is handy too but we have no mechanic and no workshop manual. it will be a learning curve but we are keen. it should be a brilliant drive.

 

[ken page]

credit to you brave boys may i suggest that the cam belt and tensioner are changed before you leave dont foget to take gaffer tape,self amalgamating tape to get you out of any troubles on the water hoses, some electrical wire and spare fuses, check the tyres carefully for cracking on the side walls near the rims if there are any change the tyre hope you enjoy the trip