3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

problem with handbrake indicator *need help*

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 28, 2001 | 11:27 PM
  #1  
marioms's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: WA
problem with handbrake indicator *need help*

My handbrake indicator lamp is on all the time, this happens this evening, and I check the signal wire at the handbrake and it is still attached properly, can anybody help me with this?
Thanks!
Reply
Old Oct 28, 2001 | 11:35 PM
  #2  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
Re: problem with handbrake indicator *need help*

Originally posted by marioms
My handbrake indicator lamp is on all the time, this happens this evening, and I check the signal wire at the handbrake and it is still attached properly, can anybody help me with this?
Thanks!
Check your brake pads. Probably worn to nothing.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2001 | 03:06 AM
  #3  
FD Racer's Avatar
sold the FD...kept the FB
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 1
From: Torrance, CA
did you check your brake fluid level?
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2001 | 06:35 AM
  #4  
puma's Avatar
canadian monster
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 0
From: Trois-Rivières, Qc, Can
do what FD racer said, i have had this problem once.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2001 | 10:00 AM
  #5  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
Lightbulb

I had this last year. It was my brake pads. Apparently that light is also used as a brake sensor indicator as well.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2001 | 11:46 AM
  #6  
FD Racer's Avatar
sold the FD...kept the FB
Tenured Member 15 Years
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 1
From: Torrance, CA
Originally posted by Mahjik
I had this last year. It was my brake pads. Apparently that light is also used as a brake sensor indicator as well.
Some cars (mostly European) have a sensor on the brake pads that will send a ground signal when the pads get low. I once owned a Merkur XR4Ti that had this. However FDs do not have this feature. What might explain what happen to you is that the more you wear out your brake pad, the more the pistons extend taking more brake fluid from the reservoir creating a low fluid situation. When you install new pads, the pistons are pushed back in and use less fluid which is sent back to the resavoir turning the low fluid sensor off.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2001 | 02:48 PM
  #7  
Mahjik's Avatar
Mr. Links
Tenured Member 20 Years
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 27,595
Likes: 43
From: Kansas City, MO
Originally posted by FD Racer


Some cars (mostly European) have a sensor on the brake pads that will send a ground signal when the pads get low. I once owned a Merkur XR4Ti that had this. However FDs do not have this feature. What might explain what happen to you is that the more you wear out your brake pad, the more the pistons extend taking more brake fluid from the reservoir creating a low fluid situation. When you install new pads, the pistons are pushed back in and use less fluid which is sent back to the resavoir turning the low fluid sensor off.
Possible, I do know that the fluid was not low, as that was the first thing I checked when the light started coming on. Next thing was to check the e-brake and lastly the pads.

However the light came on, the problem was just some worn pads.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2001 | 03:35 PM
  #8  
ronarndt's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 691
Likes: 24
From: Catlett, VA USA
handbrake

Is your handbrake cable adjusted properly? Not just the wire attached, but the tension on the cable. You will need to take off the console section around the shifter, ashtray and brake handle to get at the adjusting nut. I don't have the manual in front of me but, I seem to remember that the proper adjustment is two clicks after removing slack. I'll check the manual when I go home. Mine did the same thing, because the adjustment nut was too tight and triggered the microswitch all the time.
Reply
Old Oct 29, 2001 | 10:30 PM
  #9  
ronarndt's Avatar
Senior Member
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 691
Likes: 24
From: Catlett, VA USA
handbrake

marioms- Follow up to my last post. If it turns out that the handbrake needs adjusting: According to the service manual, total travel of the lever is 7-10 clicks. The light should go on after one click. Adjust using the adjusting nut to get the lever in this range.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
RedBaronII
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
4
Sep 20, 2015 11:29 AM
rotor_veux
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
7
Sep 19, 2015 07:13 PM
Farkel
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
4
Sep 16, 2015 06:16 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:25 AM.