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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: B-chi on 30 April 2009, 22:34

Title: hand brake light on
Post by: B-chi on 30 April 2009, 22:34
I have an issue with my handbrake light.

When handbrake is on the light is lit, no problems there then!

The problem is when I take the handbrake off the light remains lit but not as bright. I've checked the rear discs & they move freely when the brake is not on.

Anyone got any ideas?
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: Ben Lessani on 30 April 2009, 22:43
Have you checked the brake fluid level? The sensor on it is hooked to the handbrake light.

The switch for the handbrake light isn't connected to the disks, its just a push to open switch at the bottom of the handbrake lever's travel.
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: B-chi on 01 May 2009, 09:00
Will check it today & report back.
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: MrBounce on 01 May 2009, 14:53
You may find that a little bit of carpet is causing the switch to stick and that's causing it not to disengage properly.  :smiley:
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: capoot on 01 May 2009, 14:57
Is there a problem with your ABS sensors? my ABS sensors where f*cked once changed it went...
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: Mikester on 01 May 2009, 18:38
Does your abs light come on when you start the car, then go off after a few seconds. It should do this if the system is working properly.

When there is 1 fault the abs light stays on. If there is 2 faults the abs and handbrake light stay on.

I suspect that the previous owner thought that abs was hard to fix, so they removed the bulb, you are non the wiser and then now its got a 2nd fault and thrown the handbrake light on.
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: ace on 01 May 2009, 19:03
this used to happen in my old mk3, was the same as what ben lessani said, the switch on top of the brake fluid.
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: B-chi on 21 May 2009, 15:35
Bit of an update. Took me long enough to look.

Checked all my fuses & number 16 I think was blown. 15a, warning lights. Also took out the abs & airbag lights to the right of the headlight switch. Clever me managed to brake the little bulb for the abs light.

Plugged a new fuse in & now the handbrake light is on permanently where as before it was dim now it is as bright as when the handbrake is actually on.

The air bag light comes on & goes off like all the other warning lights but as I've broke the abs bulb I can't tell if the abs & handbrake are on or just handbrake!

Can I get a new bulb for the absvligjt or do I have to buy the whole unit?
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: B-chi on 17 June 2009, 14:07
This is bewildered me completely now.

The handbrake light is on all the time unless I turn the abs/airbag light 180'. You know the little plastic trim with abs/airbag lights in  to the right of the steering wheel. But if I do this the airbag light remand on permanently.

I plugged a new bulb into the abs light which lit up when turned on & didn't go out, but now the light won't light up at all.

I'm going round in circles, any ideas?
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: Len on 17 June 2009, 15:23
You sure are! Fun innit!  :laugh:


If abs light on all the time you have a bad wheel sensor and will need to get the codes read (vagcom) to see which one it is!

As for the handbrake light it maybe the switch under the lever?
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: Mikester on 17 June 2009, 16:20
the handbrake light with the abs light indicates 2 faults.
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: Wayne on 17 June 2009, 21:47
I believe the handbrake light is also linked to fluid level.
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: Ben Lessani on 18 June 2009, 14:11
Certainly is ;)
Title: Re: hand brake light on
Post by: B-chi on 18 June 2009, 16:16
Checked my brake fluid which is on max.

It's not the abs light that stays on (it may stay on but I can't tell as the bulb has blown), it's the airbag light.

So airbag light on = handbrake light off.
Handbrake light on = airbag light off.

How do I loosen the handbrake?

It takes 1 click to apply the handbrake & only goes up to 3 clicks max. There is a slight rubbing/feint clunking from the back right. Do you think these could be connected?

Thanks for the help so far.