Parking brake light comes/stays on (5g)

Feeniks · Post by **Feeniks** » Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:11 am

Anyone here had this issue? The parking brake light doesn't always go off when I start driving, and if it does, it often comes on again when I accelerate, drive up a hill or even go over a speed bump. Then it eventually turns off on its own while I'm just driving normally, but this takes quite a while.

A quick google suggests a potential issue with brake fluid (but this was checked by a garage not long ago) or the sensor. Are there any checks and fixes a *complete* n00b like me would be able to do without any tools?

The issue first started when the parking brake was tightened a while ago, but got much worse since yesterday, after a stuck rear brake caliper was fixed and pads replaced. It seems that messing with the braking system has upset my old boy somehow

Post by **Vtecmec** » Wed Nov 22, 2023 9:41 am

Could be as simple as the switch at the handbrake needs adjusting.

Post by **vanzep** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 12:49 am

sounds like the handbrake is high - might be an idea to do the handbrake adjustment per the manual - its a bit of a long process with jacking both back wheels up and winding the pistons back in etc etc but once it is all adjusted you can check if you are still getting the warning light and then maybe adjust the switch but if your happy with the how the handbrake is working then maybe just adjust the switch

Feeniks · Post by **Feeniks** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 10:59 am

I will assume adjusting the switch is something I had best leave for the garage to do...

Thank you both!

89 UKDM BA4 4WS (resto job!) · Post by **wurlycorner** » Thu Nov 23, 2023 11:18 am

It's not actually very complicated, just involves getting inside the centre console (underneath the handrake lever) and yanking the switch bracket upwards to be honest - the metal bracket it's mounted to will bend slighty

Not sure if you can access it on a 5g just by pulling out the cupholder???
One of the 5g'ers will be able to advise, I'm sure!