Handbrake light

[duplicity]

I have found recently that under heavy braking my handbrake light comes on. Has anyone else found this? Is there an easy fix or is it a trip to the dealer?

[lucozade]

never had this one mate, no.

[joust]

Yes! It's your brake fluid low warning light!

Get some DOT5 quickly and fill it back up!

J

[matt_t16]

joust said:

Yes! It's your brake fluid low warning light! Get some DOT5 quickly and fill it back up! J

Or check your pads! If the pads are low the fluid will be low as well due to the increased capacity in the system.

Matt

[martvr]

A common occurrence as mentioned. Definitely check your pads as well but they aren't necessarily in need of replacement. The fluid reservoir does not hold enough to stop the warning light coming on between pad changes and so needs topping up between times.

Edited to add to just check that there is no sign of a brake fluid leak anywhere.

>> Edited by martvr on Thursday 25th November 22:05

[duplicity]

Ok. Thanks guys! I am glad I asked. The car has only done 1400 miles, so it shouldn't be the pads.

Never thought it could be a multi-purpose light. Guess I had better read the manual again!

[JimNoble]

You really, really DON'T want to put DOT5 in.

DOT5.1 is what you want.

Jim

[m12_nathan]

Dot 4 Castrol SRF is what you really want []

[joust]

JimNoble said:

You really, really DON'T want to put DOT5 in. DOT5.1 is what you want. Jim

Oppss - thanks, well pointed out

[rob234]

Just for info my M400 has done 1850 miles and has the brake warning light coming on under heavy breaking, no sign of a leak so i'll be cheking the fluid level tonight.

[robp]

..and if it still comes on after all of that it could be the handbrake sensor switch.

[chillidog]

I've just topped up the resevoir by about 8mm as the light was flickering under braking/aceeleration and the level was sitting on the minimum-level mark. The warning light has now gone out but I will be inspecting the pads as soon as jack and torque wrench arrive.
--
Richard

[paulcundy]

And when you check the pads remember the rear inside pad wears faster than the outside, so a quick visual is not enough. The outer pad may have enough meat on it but the inner may be about to make metal to metal contact.

Don't ask me why but they just do.

Regards
PauL C

[joust]

paulcundy said:

Don't ask me why but they just do.

All that late braking you do into corners????

I'll get my coat

J