displaying posts 1 to 17 of 17

Author Subject: Handbrake light on dash flickering?
misschief

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Post #1
Was driving home from the Safari park today and the handbrake light started flickering whenever I went over a bump and any uneven ground. handbrake wasn't on and i didn;t notice anything changing by pushing the handbrake down or pulling it up a little. Can I safely assume it's just the switch and just ignore it?
Posted 4th Jul 2010 at 03:31
tvrfan007

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Post #2
Low brake fluid level in the master cylinder.

The handbrake light doubles up as a warning.

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Posted 4th Jul 2010 at 04:08
misschief

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Post #3
Hmm that is a little worrying, I had the brake pipes replaced about 6 months ago and the system was bled and new fluid used at the same time.
Posted 4th Jul 2010 at 04:44
tvrfan007

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Post #4
not necessarily a sign of a leak. If you're coming up to pad and disc replacement all round it can be enough to trigger it as you've displaced quite a volume of fluid - assuming it was max at the time. Have a nosey.

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Posted 4th Jul 2010 at 12:57
chris with a pug

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Post #5
Doesnt that light do the pad wear sensors too?
Posted 4th Jul 2010 at 15:49
jeffers Forum Admin

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Post #6
Yes the pad wear sensors turn that light on, check your front pad matey!Wink

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Posted 4th Jul 2010 at 16:47
misschief

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Post #7
So where will I find the brake fluid reservoir? Discs got changed a couple of years ago according to the receipt I found so perhaps it's just pads.
Posted 4th Jul 2010 at 19:06
tvrfan007

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Post #8
It's the master cylinder. Open the bonnet, back left right behind your oil filler cap.

Pad sensor as above is a good suggestion. I don't have those on mine, but surely they would bring on a permanent light as it'll have eaten through the sensor?

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Posted 5th Jul 2010 at 00:08
thugpuggin

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Post #9
Not pads, well not on phase 3's anyway as that brings on a different light.

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Posted 5th Jul 2010 at 00:15
misschief

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Post #10
I have a Phase 2.5. will check the master cylinder next time I have the bonnet open.
Posted 5th Jul 2010 at 01:29
rich-6

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Post #11
Nor on phase 2s as they have a seperate light, as above it's the master cylinder level

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Posted 5th Jul 2010 at 21:57
misschief

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Post #12
Righto cheers guys. This is why I love this place sometimes, fantastic advice and quickly too! Will get some Dot 4 (as it says on the cover) asap. I don't see a 'Min/Max' marker on it though, is it dangerous if I overfill?
Posted 6th Jul 2010 at 04:16
stu

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Post #13
IIRC the marker is on the left hand side of the reservoir as you look at it when standing in front of the car.
Posted 6th Jul 2010 at 05:36
tvrfan007

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Post #14
As above, they're marked on the left hand side of the master cylinder. Max is written with a little arrow pointing just below the 'flat' roof of the actual reservoir, if you ignore the part with the neck/cap.

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Posted 6th Jul 2010 at 17:27
misschief

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Post #15
Ok, so how much should I be buying of this stuff? Will 250ml be enough? Should I buy 500 or 1L? is it likely I have a leak somewhere or just the brake fluid being 'used'?
Posted 8th Jul 2010 at 05:05
misschief

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Post #16
Spot on as always guys. Filled it up (and a little bit more, will it cause a problem?) and no light all the way home.
Posted 9th Jul 2010 at 05:04
tvrfan007

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Post #17
Not really a problem if you have a little too much fluid in. It is probable there wasn't a top up after new brakes were fitted (ie master cylinder never returned to max level) or your pads and discs are all heading for replacement. Smile

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Posted 9th Jul 2010 at 17:25

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