Handbrake light coming on at 120+

[TSS]

I wonder if anybody can through some light on this one?

I noticed last night that at about 120 my handbrake light starts to glow, the more you accelerate the brighter it gets. At about 140 it’s glowing quite brightly, although not as bright as if you actually applied the handbrake.

The handbrake itself is definitely not on. I only checked my brake fluid a few days ago and it was at the maximum. And the brakes work fine.

Could this indicate a brake problem or is it some sort of generator effect from the spinning brake disc?

[GreenV8S]

That's bizarre. I can't think of any reason for the handbrake or low fluid switches to form a partial earth, and I can't see why the pad wear indicator would be proportional to speed even if it is fitted.

[bosscerbera]

When you pull the handbrake on - ie kind of towards yourself - it sometimes pulls the handle closer to the light microswitch.

Most likely the tension/vibration of everything at 120+ is bringing the switch contacts together.

Gently (!) push/bend the handbrake lever away from you (towards the passenger). Should fix it.

Total fix is to adjust microswitch position and endeavour to pull handbrake UP only, without pulling toward yourself.

[TSS]

Thanks bosscerbera, I'll give that a try.

TSS

[Tyre Smoke]

Look, the only way to fix this is to slow down! Think of the children and the environment! How far into outer space do you think you would launch a 2 year old if you hit them at that speed? And how much pollution? My God!



Interesting post though, my guess is that you are getting intermittent swich contact through vibration as mentioned before (get your wheels ballanced )