Handbrake light won't go out

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OriRacer
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Perth, Edinburgh

Handbrake light won't go out

Post by OriRacer »

My handbrake light won't go out, even when I manually push the switch in.
All electrics work.

But on the battery that with the came car if you turn everything on when idling the voltage drops any the car slowly dies.

I have put in a known good battery, and it still seams to be draining the battery.

Any idea's?
SuperRedMR2
Posts: 5494
Joined: Mon May 16, 2005 8:40 pm
Location: Wickford, Essex

Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by SuperRedMR2 »

rear calipers are sticking
millentubby
Posts: 871
Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2005 4:29 pm
Location: Edinburgh

Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by millentubby »

SuperRedMR2 wrote:rear calipers are sticking


don't think so matey.

Handbrake light is also the brake-fluid low-level indicator.

Either your handbrake switch is knackered, or the brake fluid is low.

As for the car dieing when you switch everything on - what is the Voltage meter (top-left dial on instrument panel) showing? It should be halfway when ignition on (if battery is charged) and should go towards 3/4 when the car is running.

Check that and get back to us :)
OriRacer
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Perth, Edinburgh

Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by OriRacer »

millentubby wrote:
SuperRedMR2 wrote:rear calipers are sticking


don't think so matey.

Handbrake light is also the brake-fluid low-level indicator.

Either your handbrake switch is knackered, or the brake fluid is low.

As for the car dieing when you switch everything on - what is the Voltage meter (top-left dial on instrument panel) showing? It should be halfway when ignition on (if battery is charged) and should go towards 3/4 when the car is running.

Check that and get back to us :)


I'll check the brake-fluid as the brakes works but you have to push far down before they bite.

When the car is running the Voltage meter just sits just above half way. Get a reading of about 13v from bat with a multi-meter.

Huummmm I'll go over the connections but I'm thinking alternator. What do you guys think ?
MartG
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Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by MartG »

Battery voltage with the engine running should be about 13.8V, so it does sound like the alternator may be on the way out. Check the battery earth first though, as this can affect the reading if its dodgy
OriRacer
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Perth, Edinburgh

Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by OriRacer »

MartG wrote:Battery voltage with the engine running should be about 13.8V, so it does sound like the alternator may be on the way out. Check the battery earth first though, as this can affect the reading if its dodgy


Is that taking a taking the reading across the battery terminals with engine running at 2k rpm and all electrics off or on ?
crazylegs
Posts: 2811
Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:13 pm
Location: Wiltshire

Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by crazylegs »

my money is also on low fluid levels. there is no electrical circuit to the calipers and the switch is pretty simple, so reliable.
OriRacer
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Perth, Edinburgh

Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by OriRacer »

Yeh had a look when I got home and yes... there is fluid there but it's not full by along way. I'll top it up tomorrow. But its the alternator problem thats got me worried since were coming into winter I need lights :D

anyone give me hints on which earths to check before I go swapping alts... and since I don't have the hanyes manual.
OriRacer
Posts: 58
Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2007 11:23 am
Location: Perth, Edinburgh

Re: Handbrake light won't go out

Post by OriRacer »

millentubby wrote:
SuperRedMR2 wrote:rear calipers are sticking


don't think so matey.

Handbrake light is also the brake-fluid low-level indicator.

Either your handbrake switch is knackered, or the brake fluid is low.

As for the car dieing when you switch everything on - what is the Voltage meter (top-left dial on instrument panel) showing? It should be halfway when ignition on (if battery is charged) and should go towards 3/4 when the car is running.

Check that and get back to us :)



Just a little update for you all...


I have changed the alternator, and topped up the brake fuild ....

Hand brake lights out and battery is charging ... SORTED !!!

:thumleft:

Thanks guys
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