Handbrake warning light

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  • lekie
    Senior Newbie
    • Jun 2009
    • 69

    Handbrake warning light

    First thing I need know is am I looking at the right light in the cluster.
    top left I have two red warnings - one is marked "p" and the other some symbol. P would be for park and the other water in fuel?
    The activator down at the hand brake has a copper contact which is broken so I am trying to work out a fix. It looks like the copper strip makes contact when the brake is off. How does this work? Looks like a short to earth (12v at the contact point) arrangement but if I manually cross the contact the indicator stays on.
    Tell me what I am doing wrong.
    Thanks
  • Classic Boy
    Established Member
    • Jun 2017
    • 830

    #2
    I think the switch is open when the handbrake is off (lever down) but the switch’s do break easily but they can be fixed with a strip of steel. They are copper coated strip of spring steel. Or just disconnect the connector wire but make sure you release the handbrake lever before driving as you won’t have a warning and quickly cook the rear brakes.

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    • lekie
      Senior Newbie
      • Jun 2009
      • 69

      #3
      Thanks for that - going to check with my multimeter plus try and emulate a contact to see if the light goes out.
      Am I looking at the right light red "p"?
      Cheers

      Comment

      • Classic Boy
        Established Member
        • Jun 2017
        • 830

        #4
        I cannot remember what the park brake indicator light is on the dash as my son drives the car so I have not been in it for a couple of years but the light switch under the lever is a weak spot.

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        • lekie
          Senior Newbie
          • Jun 2009
          • 69

          #5
          Not much success- checked that 12v comming to the "switch" then shorted to earth which is what should happen when the handbrake is off.
          No change to what I think is park indicator. Only reason to fix this for when I get my next pink slip. Inspector may not notice or care but if it is picked up it will be a real world of pain to fix. If I do sort it, I am thinking of substituting the arrangement with a button that the lever engages with - just like my Torana long gone.

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          • lekie
            Senior Newbie
            • Jun 2009
            • 69

            #6
            Found an old file which turns out to be the user manual for the WH - It says that indicator light, in addition to the park brake, will stay on if the brake fluid is low. And yes it is - now to find some brake fluid.
            ps - this is not my daily driver. Now have a WK2

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