Handbrake light keeps coming on :S

1. user_27150 Established Member Joined: Sep 2008 Glasgow Posts: 1452 Saxo VTR

   #1 2nd March 2013, 19:57

   When I'm driving along sometimes the hand brake light comes on the dash. If I push the handbrake down when it does this it goes off but going over a bump can set it off again. It's doing my head it. It's a 02 VTR. Please help someone
2. Ali123 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: May 2011 huddersfield Posts: 2635 ph3'd c2 gt

   #2 2nd March 2013, 20:00

   check your brake fluid level mate, if its low top it up

   1 user thanked this post: user_27150
3. user_27150 Established Member Joined: Sep 2008 Glasgow Posts: 1452 Saxo VTR

   #3 3rd March 2013, 11:10

   Thanks mate. Going to have a look today. Thinking about it now, the brakes do feel a bit shit so hopefully it is this and a easy fix
4. user_38615 Established Member Joined: Oct 2009 Birmingham Posts: 2073 Current - 56 1.9 astra Sri Owned - 54 C2 GT. Ow

   #4 3rd March 2013, 15:01

   Check the switch under the handbrake, if it goes off when you push it down is probs that causing issue, whats the handbrake like might be sitting to high or not pressing on the switch enough to turn it off.
5. user_27150 Established Member Joined: Sep 2008 Glasgow Posts: 1452 Saxo VTR

   #5 3rd March 2013, 20:56

   Checked the brake fluid and it is fine. Need to check the handbrake tomorrow in better light to see if its the switch.
6. Manu Saxperience Addict Joined: Dec 2009 Posts: 11714 A6 Le Mans tuned/A3 TFSI tuned

   #6 4th March 2013, 08:52

   you switch probably sticks a little in place. Clean the crap, hair and boogers around it and warm it a little with a hair dryer.
7. user_27150 Established Member Joined: Sep 2008 Glasgow Posts: 1452 Saxo VTR

   #7 6th September 2013, 19:26

   Back on this again. Thought the switch may be broken so I tackled the cheap option first and bought a new switch. The light is still on. When the hand break is down it presses on the button slightly but not enough to turn the light off. Does the cable need tightened? What's my next port of call? Don't want to be driving it if its unsafe tbh but this is my daily driver. Any help appreciated
   
   P.S Will this fail an MOT for the handbreak light not going off?
8. user_27150 Established Member Joined: Sep 2008 Glasgow Posts: 1452 Saxo VTR

   #8 8th September 2013, 18:25

   Anyone?
9. stevie_m Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Mar 2009 Glasgow Posts: 4772 Mk2 VTR Two Tone, Mazda 3 Sport

   #9 8th September 2013, 18:41

   Don't think I've ever seen my handbrake light on, I'm sure my switch is fecked.
   
   It has never been a problem for my MOT, as I recently had mines pass three months ago
10. user_27150 Established Member Joined: Sep 2008 Glasgow Posts: 1452 Saxo VTR

    #10 9th September 2013, 20:58

    Cheers mate. Yeah the handbreak switch acts as a warning light for the braking system which is why I'm paranoid about it being on constantly. Just unsure as to what should be checked first. I bought a new button but that wasn't the problem so you can have my spare one if you like. I live in Rutherglen so not sure how local you are?
11. MartinObviously Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2012 Perth Posts: 3665 Peugeot 106 1.1 Turbo Peugeot 106 1.5D Turbo Peuge

    #11 9th September 2013, 21:13

    Yes your cables need a bit of tightening.
    
    Not too much though, you need some reserve travel.
    
    Generally, 3-4 clicks should be handbrake fully applied.
12. akuakabucy Frequent Poster Joined: Feb 2010 Liverpool Posts: 596 Mk5 Golf GTTDI, Vauxhall Vivaro

    #12 9th September 2013, 21:52

    Check your actual handbrake is tight, if its loose it can off-centre it and the handbrake wont contact the switch properly and cause what your stating.
13. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

    #13 10th September 2013, 10:41

    Outside guess,try tightening up the handbrake assembly as it may not be central with the switch.
14. user_27150 Established Member Joined: Sep 2008 Glasgow Posts: 1452 Saxo VTR

    #14 10th September 2013, 16:58

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by akuakabucy Check your actual handbrake is tight, if its loose it can off-centre it and the handbrake wont contact the switch properly and cause what your stating.

    
    

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by stevo67 Outside guess,try tightening up the handbrake assembly as it may not be central with the switch.

    Just checked there and it is falling to the drivers side of the switch. Making contact but only really with part of the lever. How do I adjust this to centre it as the handbreak is tight as is (3 clicks fully applied) Cheers for the help
15. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

    #15 10th September 2013, 19:34

    Not 100% sure but the assembly should be bolted to the floor of the car,try adjusting the bolts.