Handbrake warning light coming on intermittently

[catzi]

Hello everyone, was out in the Bongo today and noticed that the handbrake warning light has been coming on intermittently. It lit coming down a fairly steep hill under braking and then went off again shortly afterwards. Also came on briefly whilst turning round a roundabout.

Haven't noticed any problems with braking - stops no problem and handbrake light operates normally with the handbrake (which is working ok).

Any ideas?

[missfixit70]

Dodgy contact on the switch at the back of the handbrake? lift the console & have a look, may be loose or shorting out or something.

[catzi]

Thanks, will take a look tomorrow as I'm welded to an armchair now

[munroman]

Hi, Might also be worth checking the brake fluid level, mine did similar after being parked on a steep hill, even though it was above the minimum. (It never happened on a roundabout, but I drive like an old granny in town!)
Topping up to the full level sorted it thousands of miles ago.

Derek

[mister munkey]

The handbrake doesn't use any fuid though, does it?

I thought it was cable operated to a pair of shoes on the back drums . . .


http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... es#p205342

[Steve L]

As I understood it, the warning light isn't just for the handbrake, its for the whole braking system. So it could be low fluid, or if there are sensors on the brake pads it means the pads are worn. I would check the fluid and the pads first especially as its occurred going down a steep hill and negotiating a roundabout.

[mister munkey]

Ah!

I see the logic now.

[stringman]

Mine came on the other day...... the dog had some how managed to get his bone stuck under the hand brake and pulling it out put the handbrake up a notch or two

[scanner]

As I understood it, the warning light isn't just for the handbrake, its for the whole braking system. So it could be low fluid, or if there are sensors on the brake pads it means the pads are worn. I would check the fluid and the pads first especially as its occurred going down a steep hill and negotiating a roundabout.

It's the same on lots of cars.

Handbrake on
or
Low Fluid
or
Worn pads - if they are the sort that have contact wires moulded into them that touch the disc when the pads wear down.

[dandywarhol]

No wires on the Bongo but I'd go for the fluid level answer too.................

[scanner]

From the handbook...

Brake Warning Light
This warning light will appear when:
- Parking brake is applied
- Brake Fluid is low
- Vacuum pressure of the braking device is low
...(for diesel vehicle only)

[dandywarhol]

Ah - never thought of the last one - thats why it comes on with repeated fast pumps on the brake pedal...........................

[scanner]

Ah - never thought of the last one - thats why it comes on with repeated fast pumps on the brake pedal...........................

Never seen that - but haven't travelled the Stelvio yet..........

[catzi]

Haven't checked the switch yet (the Mrs took the Bongo to the railway station today) but will check that AND the brake fluid level tomorrow.

Thanks for the input guys.

[missfixit70]

Reckon the fluid level is probably favourite, forgot about that one