Annoying Fault On Vectra

Abe · 14 Feb 2006 at 11:24

Dont really fancy wasting money at garage getting fixed.

So

Does anyone have any ideas, or had similar problem with the handbrake light being permanantly on, on the dash? Parked up before weekend was fine. Yesterday, came back and its always on!

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Rilot · 14 Feb 2006 at 11:32

Probably a dicky switch.
Depending on how it works, it could be a warning about the cable being at it's maximum adjustment.

MrCake · 14 Feb 2006 at 11:34

Handbrake light staying on could also indicate low brake fluid or worn pads. Kind of like if the ABS light stays on after ignition checks have finished.

Abe · 14 Feb 2006 at 11:35

Just passed its MOT, so worn pads/stetched cable is unlikely....

Rilot · 14 Feb 2006 at 11:51

MoT won't check for stretched cables. They will just check that the hand brake actually works with a legal minimum amount of force (which isn't a lot).

Bat · 14 Feb 2006 at 11:53

Also getting a car through an MOT can knacker the rear brakes if they are worn.

This happened with one car I had. They had to pull the handbrake on so tight that the rear calipers kept ceasing after that.

dynabol · 14 Feb 2006 at 12:12

I believe it's an indication of low brake fluid on my car so could be the same?... (Seat Ibiza MkIII)

Abe · 14 Feb 2006 at 12:13

dynabol said:
I believe it's an indication of low brake fluid on my car so could be the same?... (Seat Ibiza MkIII)

As it says in the title mate.

Rilot · 14 Feb 2006 at 12:32

That's a good point. On a lot of cars it means low brake fluid so it could be. Check it.