Vantage - Handbrake warning light

[TurboSHerts]

I have a 2017 manual V8 Vantage (GT8) and when i release the handbrake the handbrake warning light stays on and subsequently beeps saying the handbrake is still engaged - has anyone had similar problems ?

I am thinking it could be a sensor, a switch or in fact the handbrake not fully releasing - i have driven it a fair bit recently so cant believe it is stuck due to under use, however don't want to drive it in case of damage to the discs ?

It is under warranty so my planned next step is AM assistance and then likely a dealer visit but thought i would check the collective knowledge of PH first !

thanks

[ian448]

If it simialr to the db9 its a mechanical handbrake and can assure you when released it will work as required. There is a small micro switch on the handbrake which can be accesed by pulling up the leather handbrake cover and then adjusted

[AdamV12V]

If you are new to the car, you are probably not doing it right. Its not like a normal car where you press the button and the lever drops. With the vantage you really need to hold the button in until the lever hits the bottom.

Many years into Vantage ownership and i still do it wrong ocassionally.

[TurboSHerts]

Great - thanks for the replies... hopefully it is my inability to release in the right way ... i will give it a go this evening....

[LTP]

Because of the way the lever is designed to "fold away" flat to allow access to the cabin it is easy to raise the lever, press the button, not actually disengage the handbrake but drop the lever like it has.

I can confirm that, if you have the release technique down pat (pull up hard with the button held before you lower the lever, still with button held) the problem can be with the switch. I was continually having to waggle the lever, or bang it down, to get rid of the warning until the two cables had to be replaced. Since the system was rebuilt by my dealer with new cables I've not had a single handbrake warning problem

[telum01]

To release the handbrake:
Pull up on the handle. When you hit resistance, push in the button and pull up a little more. Continue holding the button as you set the handle all the way down. So long as you're doing that right, it should be fully released.

The common problem:
The sensor isn't registering that the handbrake has been released. Try holding the button while moving the handbrake around a little. Doesn't take much, just a jiggle, really. You're just want the sensor to register. So long as there isn't a mechanical issue, that should get the handbrake warning light to turn off.