Handbrake light staying on

fattybumble85

Evening all!
I'm hoping someone can help me with my latest car conundrum.
Driving home tonight I noticed my handbrake light was on. I checked it wasn't still engaged, it wasn't. I was only five minutes from home so I carried on, the light stayed on all the way. About 2hrs after getting home I checked the brake fluid levels but they are still at the maximum level. Turned the engine on and released the handbrake again whilst parked up, the light stayed on. Has anyone else had this problem? I don't really want to drive it tomorrow incase it's dangerous.

Thanks for reading!

colino

What type of car is it?

fattybumble85

Ford Ka, 2004

forgotmyname

If the fluid level is fine and the front brake pads are not work down to their wear indicators then its probably just the microswitch,

fattybumble85

forgotmyname wrote: »

If the fluid level is fine and the front brake pads are not work down to their wear indicators then its probably just the microswitch,

Thanks for replying.
The brake pads were replaced at the last service, 6 months ago, they wouldn't be worn already would they? I don't cover that many miles, I've done about 3k in the last 6 months.
What is the micro switch? Sorry, I'm not that familiar with cars!

Justicia

fattybumble85 wrote: »

What is the micro switch? Sorry, I'm not that familiar with cars!

IIAC, it's the switch that is activated by the movement of the handbrake - it 'tells' the light whether to be on or not; like a 'sensor.'

scotsbob

fattybumble85 wrote: »

What is the micro switch? Sorry, I'm not that familiar with cars!

Pop down to your local library and look at the Haynes manual, it will show the exact location. It will most likely be under the handbrake lever.

fattybumble85

scotsbob wrote: »

Pop down to your local library and look at the Haynes manual, it will show the exact location. It will most likely be under the handbrake lever.

Thanks for replying! I have actually got the Haynes manual, I do like to at least try to understand! Had a flick through and it seems I have to remove to hand brake cover and then have a poke around there. Not a job for rushing before work though I think. The most I've ever done myself is change the fuse for the cigarette lighter!
Would it be okay to drive tomorrow, not far - 20 mins or so each way? Seeing as the actual handbrake and fluid levels are all fine?

fwor

Given those checks show Ok, should be no problem driving it tomorrow.

The light is really only there to warn people so that they don't forget the handbrake is on and destroy their brake pads/shoes.

If you're worried that it might be that the handbrake is partially on all the time, stop the car after the first mile or so and feel the temperature of the rear wheel centres. If it is, they will be warm or hot...

keystone

Not familiar with that vehicle but what do the brake fluid levels have to do with the operation of the handbrake? Or am I just not up to speed with modern technology?

marlot

keystone wrote: »

Not familiar with that vehicle but what do the brake fluid levels have to do with the operation of the handbrake? Or am I just not up to speed with modern technology?

The light is usually dual purpose - warning of low brake fluid as well as handbrake on.