Hand Brake Indicator Light On

[Paul Eden]

My 2002 Freda has an intermittment fault where the hand brake indicator light will come on for up to a minute intermittently when driving (normally after actual braking), and go off again.Anyone any ideas what might be causing this?

Thanks.

[Driver+Passengers]

Underneath the plastic center console between the seats - there should be a small push switch with connector/screw at the rear of the handbrake. Check the connection, it may be loose - mine was - prevented me from raising the roof!

[mikexgough]

Sounds like Brake fluid level dropped..... probably due to worn Brake Pads... best check both of these...

[Simon Jones]

I don't recall seeing a level sensor on the side of the master cylinder, but this is a good place to start the checks. There are no brake pad wear sensors fitted so that can be ruled out.

[Paul Eden]

Thanks for all your suggestions. Fluid and pads seem okay, so will check the connection.

Cheers

[Tony x]

We had exactly this issue....but on a 1998 Mazda 323f.
All that was needed to fix it was topping up the brake fluid reservoir.
I reckon this is your issue as the light only came on in the 323 when driving and using the brakes.

[Paul Eden]

Thanks for that. My brake fluid reservoir is about half way between the min and max marks, so I thought that was okay, but I will try topping up anyway to see if that gets rid of the problem.

Cheers

Paul

[teenmal]

Hi Paul,

The fault sounds like it could be a Vacuum and or Vacuum switch problem, best to get this checked out ASAP.
The Vac switch is on the front ,top , right hand side of the brake servo unit.

[mikexgough]

From this thread.... http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... ht#p595980

Mikewalsall's post.... Shows a connector into the master cylinder..... haven't looked at mine but will do tomorrow..... out of interest

[teenmal]

I would be very surprised if your vehicle did not have this Safety device, even the Japanese fitted them as standard.

[mikexgough]

I would be very surprised if your vehicle did not have this Safety device, even the Japanese fitted them as standard.

Indeed..... all I was indicating was that it has been said in a thread that there is a level sensor for the Brake fluid and that I hadn't noticed one on mine ( as I have never looked for one) ....needless to say I took a look at mine.

[Paul Eden]

It turns out that the simplest explanation was correct. My brake fluid needed topped-up, even though the reservoir indicator was okay.

Thanks for all your help.

[Simon Jones]

I've checked mine today and can confirm there is a low level sensor on the offside of the reservoir. It looks to be quite a bit below the Min level line.

[mikexgough]

It turns out that the simplest explanation was correct. My brake fluid needed topped-up, even though the reservoir indicator was okay.

Thanks for all your help.

Always best to start with the simple things when investigating a problem.....

Glad the top up was all that was needed....

[mikeonb4c]

But.....why was it low. I've never needed to top mine up in 7+ years.