Handbrake light flashing on under quick acceleration!?!

[Gaz B]

As the title says, when I accelerate quickly in my 1.8HLX the handbrake light on the dash will flicker on and off. As soon as I back off the light stays off, it also stays off under normal driving and heavy braking. It also seems to flicker on if the car is going up a particular gradient eg up a speed bump but not when coming down one.

The handbrake lever isn't loose and the light goes on and off normally when raising and lowering the lever. I've tried forcing it down to make sure it is at its absolute lowest resting place but the weird flickering still occurs.

Has anyone else experienced this and is it just as simple as the switch needing replacing!?!

 

[Tom]

The search function is your friend

Wimmy, is this question on the guide?

 

[Alex]

lets not start this search function crap, mp3car.com pisses me off, thats the only reply u get

 

[Anonymous]

either low brake fluid, or pads may be worn.

 

[Ozric-Al]

(all get ready for the Ozric-Al standard quote on this one)

Could be a dodgey connection especially if you have recently had engine work as they may have disconnected the wire to the reservoir and not put it back properly.

Shabash!

http://www.billhicks.com/
http://www.geocities.com/ozrictentacles_web/

 

[Anonymous]

Fair enough, found an old thread after trawling back through several pages.

So I guess I'll check my fluid level and then any sensors.

 

[Garry]

Re: Handbrake light

Hi,

Same happened on my Marea. It's low on brake fluid because of the wear of the pads. The handbrake light covers that fanction, as opposed to another light dealing with the pad wear (which would light under braking).

What happens is that the sensor is mounted towads the front of the reservoir and as you accelerate hard, or go up a steep hill the fluid moves to the back of the reservoir and the light comes on. You only need to put a little in and it will fix it.

Garry

 

[LightWarrior]

Re: Handbrake light

unless you have a leaky clutch slave cylinder. not hard to replace, but just as easy to pay about £45 to a garage to supply and fit.

Buzz
the poster formerly known as LightWarrior