Stange problem with handbrake light..

Spikey · 6 Feb 2011 at 22:35

Hi all, noticed a strange problem on my MK3 MX5 (55 plate). Basically when I have the lights switched on and I'm driving the handbrake light stays lit (although not as bright as when I pull the handbrake on) however if I turn the lights OFF the handbrake light also goes off, any ideas what could be wrong? I can't get it to a garage until tuesday unfortunately. It was doing this during the snow but seemed to have gone and now it's back again. I'm thinking an electrical fault? Thanks.

Muffin` · 6 Feb 2011 at 22:36

low brake fluid? check for leaks

brightside_ · 6 Feb 2011 at 22:48

Light bleed on the dashboard?

Spikey · 6 Feb 2011 at 22:50

Thanks guys I will check both, I don't think it would be an issue with the dash as none of the others light up? It's a really bizzare problem. It's just been serviced as well so would be surprised if it was the fluid?

Lashout_UK · 6 Feb 2011 at 22:57

I don't know about MX5's but it's not some obscure sidelight-out warning is it?

Spikey · 6 Feb 2011 at 22:59

Lashout_UK said:
I don't know about MX5's but it's not some obscure sidelight-out warning is it?

Not that I'm aware of mate. Just been MOT'd and Serviced and all lights were fine.

Bill101 · 7 Feb 2011 at 09:28

brightside_ said:
Light bleed on the dashboard?

That would be my first thought, the handbrake bulb may have worked its way out of its holder

Spikey · 7 Feb 2011 at 17:04

Will keep you posted, the manual seems to indicate a brake issue or brake fluid as mentioned, I'm more inclined to think it's electrical in some way, will keep you posted once I've got it to the garage over my days off.

Dup · 7 Feb 2011 at 17:07

If you throw it hard round a corner does it light up more? Normally I'd say low brake fluid too but going off with the lights does sound odd.

Are you sure it's actually on and not light bleeding from elsewhere?

Spikey · 7 Feb 2011 at 17:32

I kept an eye on it today at work, the cornering has no bearing on it. The strange thing today was it wasn't doing it after work but it was before, however not as bright as before. Someone on an MX5 forum suggested it could possibly be a bad earth wire somewhere?