Hand brake light flashing up when hand brake not on

[Riley26]

My hand brake light occasionally flashes on for a second or so when my handbrake isn't on. Any ideas of the potential issue? Thanks

[Dog Biscuit]

Riley26 said:

My hand brake light occasionally flashes on for a second or so when my handbrake isn't on. Any ideas of the potential issue? Thanks

Assuming its a manual handbrake then its likely a failing contact/short in the switch mechanism near the level

[snuffy]

Dog Biscuit said:

Assuming its a manual handbrake then its likely a failing contact/short in the switch mechanism near the level

I think I've read before that this can happen when cornering on some cars. i.e. as the lever moves, that causes the switch contact to activate.

[Athlon]

Check the brake fluid level...

[Olivergt]

Athlon said:

Check the brake fluid level...

This....

Some cars ( Nissan Micra K11 for example) use the hand brake light as the low brake fluid warning.

It should also be a quick and easy check to tick off the list.

[Riley26]

Thanks I will do I'll check the brake fluid is a 51 plate car Suzuki swift

[Riley26]

Thanks for the advice yes it's low. Can I just add any brake fluid?

[Olivergt]

Riley26 said:

Thanks for the advice yes it's low. Can I just add any brake fluid?

I would think dot 4 would be fine, but please confirm for yourself.

This is what the ssoc says:

https://www.sssoc.co.uk/forum/topic/brake-fluid-2/

[Cold]

It;s a sealed system so you have to ask where it's gone. Is it just getting low due to brake pad wear or is there a leak?

[Riley26]

Can it evaporate at all. I don't think it's been topped up in years. Services have just been oil and filter I think. It's just on the low line now when cold

[Olivergt]

Riley26 said:

Can it evaporate at all. I don't think it's been topped up in years. Services have just been oil and filter I think. It's just on the low line now when cold

It will go down a small amount as the pads wear. If it's just on the low mark, I would suggest that is the likely cause.

If it was me, I would top it up to the full mark and then keep an eye on it.

I would also try and get a look at the pads to see if they are getting close to needing to be replaced as well.