Firstly, I dont have the type of dash with error codes ect.
Now, only when I accelerate hard and then take my foot off the pedal, my handbrake warning light will come on for a few seconds and then goes away. If I accelerate hard, but smoothly slow my acceleration, the light won't come on.
My theory is that its warning me that my brake pads are very worn (which I believe the rears are), or it could be to do with the brake fluid. I have enough in there, but it may need a flush. (I have read from Peter that the fluid absorbs moisture, and mine hasnt been changed...for who knows how long). Overall braking performance has never been great.
Its a TT by the way.
Any advice/help would be appreciated.
And yes, I'm getting my pads and fluid changed in the next couple of weeks.
Sunday, June 01, 2008 - 09:22 am, by: Mike Beck(Gold_40gt)
My Guess the switch for the hand brake light is possibly damaged and has come loose so It makes contact when the G-Forces during acceleration allow it to move.
Monday, June 02, 2008 - 12:17 pm, by: Kyle Wathen(Cspot)
Theres a sensor somewhere that detects brake fluid level. I read a while ago that these can clog up over time and give false errors. Apparently its fairly easy to remove and clean though, might want to give that a go.
I have just noticed in the past day or so that the light also comes on for a few seconds if I try to make a quick stop by pushing quickly down on the brake pedal with some force.
So harsh accelerating and braking cause the light to come on. I dont think its the G forces causing it, because if I accelerate hard and then take my foot off the pedal, the light comes on after I've stopped accelerating, not during. And the harder and longer I accelerate for, the longer the light comes on for when I stop accelerating.
hmm, very interesting. If it doesnt fix it to change the brake pads and flush the fluid, then it looks like a job for the highly capable doug at Sports and luxury.
Peter Nitschke Junk Filterer South Australia UZZ30 UZZ31
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 - 04:55 pm, by: Peter Nitschke(Pen)
You really need to add a bit more brake fluid before anything else. Go a bit over the Full line. Fluid sloshing in the reservoir does match your description fairly well.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008 - 06:13 pm, by: Dave Hart(Davyboy)
If your brake fluid hasn't been changed for a while try replacing the fluid in the reservoir. If that fixes the problem then I'd say your whole fluid needs replacing as it's absorbed too much moisture.
Friday, July 25, 2008 - 09:40 pm, by: Tim Hutchings(One_jay_zed)
Hey Christian, I have the exact same problem, cheers for posting. Someone should put this in the common fixes section, I had no idea, I just thought my handbrake was ever so slightly to tight.