hand brake light on

[B-chi]

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?

[Ben Lessani]

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.

[B-chi]

Will check it today & report back.

[MrBounce]

You may find that a little bit of carpet is causing the switch to stick and that's causing it not to disengage properly. 

[capoot]

Is there a problem with your ABS sensors? my ABS sensors where f*cked once changed it went...

[Mikester]

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.

[ace]

this used to happen in my old mk3, was the same as what ben lessani said, the switch on top of the brake fluid.

[B-chi]

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?

[B-chi]

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?

[Len]

You sure are! Fun innit! 


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?