BN Coupe Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 This morning the handbrake and 'rear brake lamp' warning lights stayed on, even though the handbrake was off and the brake lamps are all working. When I got to my garage the warnings mysteriously went off and then came on again. Mechanic thinks it might be a failed/failing sensor in the brake fluid reservoir - does this sound likely, and if so, where can I get a new sensor from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators hughezee Posted January 27, 2016 Administrators Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 Very likely the handbrake switch has a oxidised connection or the brake fluid reservoir float sensor is sticking, new brake fluid will solve that. I would be very surprised if you need a new lid & sensor but do I have a good spare if needed m8y... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BN Coupe Posted January 27, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 Thanks for that. The rear discs and pads were changed not long ago but the invoice doesn't mention fluid. I'll check with the garage. The mechanic went straight to the lid of the fluid reservoir, so perhaps it's sticking. If I need a new one I'll let you know, Stu. Cheers, Andrew 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Laird_Scooby Posted January 27, 2016 Moderators Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 It could also be that where the rear pads and discs were changed, some fluid was let out to make room (best practice when retracting the pistons in the calipers of an ABS equipped car) and now the pads have bedded in a bit and adjusted themselves a little that the fluid level in the reservoir has dropped just enough to bring the low level warning light on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BN Coupe Posted January 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 No warning lights this morning, so whatever was sticking has unstuck itself (Dave, the brake fluid level didn't look low but I'll recheck it.) I imagine it'll happen again some time, and I'll ignore it. Part of the joy of running a 17-year-old car. Having said that, my brother-in-law's 2008 Jetta has had to have an airbag sensor replaced (£180) and a friend's Seat Mii has had to have one replaced under warranty. Anyway thanks guys. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BN Coupe Posted January 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 And the lights are on again... LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators hughezee Posted January 28, 2016 Administrators Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 43 minutes ago, BN Coupe said: And the lights are on again... LOL Mine was intermittent till changed the brake fluid, one thing to note is if the light comes on and your in a position to stop the car and tap the reservoir lid the light will stay on regardless until you shut the car off and re-start it, so you wont know if you made a difference. However if it's the handbrake switch, try releasing & applying it maybe a wiggle and if the light goes out you know its not the sensor 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BN Coupe Posted January 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 I'm pretty sure it's the fluid sensor - there seem to be lots of wires going in to the cap. If it was the handbrake switch, would the 'rear brake light' warning also be on? The lights came on again this afternoon when I turned left up a hill, so I'll try not to do that again! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators hughezee Posted January 28, 2016 Administrators Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 The test procedure for you m8y 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BN Coupe Posted January 31, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2016 Thanks for that, Stu. I was joking about not turning left up hills, but turning left does seem to make the lights come on! But next time I switch the engine on they stay off. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randell Posted December 30, 2021 Report Share Posted December 30, 2021 I know that this is an old post, but just to give an alternative remedy if the above suggestions didn't fix the warning lamp fault. I had exactly the same problem a few weeks ago. (Handbrake and Brake Lamp Illuminated). I removed the panel covering the nearside rear light cluster. Below the light fitting there is a brake lamp sensor, which was quite wet. I'd jet washed the car a few days before and probably got a little over zealous with the Kercher, and water seeped through the boot seal. Anyway, I removed the sensor (One bolt and disconnect the four pin plug). I removed the PCB from it's case (carefully), and found it to be really dirty. I cleaned the solder tracks and areas around the pins with some alcohol, applied with a cotton bud. Popped the board back into the case and refitted. This sorted the problem out and it hasn't recurred. Hope it helps. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators hughezee Posted December 30, 2021 Administrators Report Share Posted December 30, 2021 Thanks for the update and no problem about resurrecting an old post it is a testament to how niggle free these old motors are. I had a similar issue with a brake lamp warning just an oxidised connection, topic linked below for reference.😉 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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