Citroen Saxo - handbrake light stays on even when handbrake is off!

ClaireLR

Will this cost a lot to put right? There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the actual handbrake, just the light stays on even when you release the handbrake. I've been told it might be something to do with the sensor - is this something I could fix myself?

goldspanners

or maybe it needs some brake fluid? theres usually a float attatched to a switch in the fluid reservoir,when it gets low the light comes on, the only reason this would happen is if there is a leak, so its best to get it checked out if the fluid is low.

if its ok then the switch in the reservoir could be faulty or the switch on the handbrake lever could be faulty,but i doubt it, its more likely to be low fluid.

or, it could be an abs sensor thats failed (if your car has abs)

ClaireLR

No ABS in my car! Will check the brake fluid though, thank you

goldspanners

i would do that sooner rather than later if i were you. hope its a cheap fix though.

Jakg

Isn't the switch just well... a wire?

I have no car knowledge but I know a lot of people much around with them to fool TV screens the car is stopped so they will work while driving - if it's just a wire then theres nothing stopping the sensor being borked.

roddydogs

Whats the fluid level got to do with the Handbrake light?

flang

roddydogs wrote: »

Whats the fluid level got to do with the Handbrake light?

I wonder this too..
Saxos have rear drums. The handbrake works buy pulling the brake shoe with a cable.
I presume the dash light could be the same for low brake fluid?

ClaireLR

flang wrote: »

I wonder this too..
Saxos have rear drums. The handbrake works buy pulling the brake shoe with a cable.
I presume the dash light could be the same for low brake fluid?

I know this is a typical girly question but how do I check the brake fluid? :o:o

oldagetraveller

roddydogs wrote: »

Whats the fluid level got to do with the Handbrake light?

The same warning light covers handbrake on/off, brake fluid level and pad wear warning on my car and I'm sure many others so HB's post is totally relevant. Some cars do have separate, and slightly different symbol lamps though, depends on how much extra profit the manufacturer is after!.
So Claire it could even be worn brake pads too (if wear indicators are fitted to your car). Your brake fluid reservoir, which you should check regularly:p, should be under the bonnet usually on the bulkhead between the engine compartment and car interior, possibly driver's side. It will be a "milky" coloured plastic and have a line with "min" and maybe another with "max". There will be a screw on cap with wire(s) connected to it's top side. The fluid level should be visible. If below minimum then there's the likely culprit. My reservoir. however, is covered with a removable piece of black plastic but the levels are still visible.
Your driver's handbook should explain fully.

ClaireLR

oldagetraveller wrote: »

The same warning light covers handbrake on/off, brake fluid level and pad wear warning on my car and I'm sure many others so HB's post is totally relevant. Some cars do have separate, and slightly different symbol lamps though, depends on how much extra profit the manufacturer is after!.
So Claire it could even be worn brake pads too (if wear indicators are fitted to your car). Your brake fluid reservoir, which you should check regularly:p, should be under the bonnet usually on the bulkhead between the engine compartment and car interior, possibly driver's side. It will be a "milky" coloured plastic and have a line with "min" and maybe another with "max". There will be a screw on cap with wire(s) connected to it's top side. The fluid level should be visible. If below minimum then there's the likely culprit. My reservoir. however, is covered with a removable piece of black plastic but the levels are still visible.
Your driver's handbook should explain fully.

Thank you! I will check as soon as I get home. I had the brakes pads and discs changed about 12 months ago, so note sure if it would be them if it's not the brake fluid then I will get OH to check

Thanks!

Just_Incredible

If the light stays on, but the car still moves, there is a fault in the handbrake sensor

remove the handbrake gaitor and you will see a switch attached to the handbrake which activates when pressure is applied (in this case the handbrake being on)

normally if it is stuck on, it will make the handbrake light (normally a (!) displayed on the dashboard) come on