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problem with handbrake indicator *need help*

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Old 10-28-01, 11:27 PM
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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!
Old 10-28-01, 11:35 PM
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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.
Old 10-29-01, 03:06 AM
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did you check your brake fluid level?
Old 10-29-01, 06:35 AM
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do what FD racer said, i have had this problem once.
Old 10-29-01, 10:00 AM
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Lightbulb

I had this last year. It was my brake pads. Apparently that light is also used as a brake sensor indicator as well.
Old 10-29-01, 11:46 AM
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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.
Old 10-29-01, 02:48 PM
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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.
Old 10-29-01, 03:35 PM
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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.
Old 10-29-01, 10:30 PM
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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.
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