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Handbrake Warning Light

Discussion in '308/328' started by Rrari, Apr 18, 2011.

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  1. Rrari

    Rrari Rookie

    Feb 2, 2010
    43
    London UK
    Full Name:
    Rob
    #1 Rrari, Apr 18, 2011
    The little red light on my dashboard of my 308 GTSi, which has this symbol next to it (!) has just come on. I believe this used to come on to warn me that the handbrake was engaged.

    I put the car in neutral, and pushed the car forward, and it moved easily. I then re tried this with the handbrake on, and I was unable to push it. It seems my brakes are just fine. Does anyone know what this could mean?
     
  2. ramosel

    ramosel Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2004
    1,237
    Meadow Vista, CA
    Full Name:
    R Moseley
    #2 ramosel, Apr 18, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I don't think you can get to it with the center console in the car... but there is a switch that mounts to one of the forward bolts that holds the handbrake lever. If that switch is bad or misaligned it will show a false "on". It's a button type switch and when its up (grounded) the light comes on. When the handle is down it should push on the switch, break the circuit and turn the light off. If that is OK, then somewhere along its path that wire has probably been chafed and is shorting out.

    Rick
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  3. Rrari

    Rrari Rookie

    Feb 2, 2010
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    Rob
    #3 Rrari, Apr 18, 2011
    Thanks!!

    It amazes me the level of expertise on this board, that not only does an answer come along this quickly, but that it also includes a picture.

    I had worried that it might have implied a more serious problem with the brakes. If it is just a malfunctioning switch, i'll just leave it lit and have it looked at on the next service.
     
  4. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #4 Paul_308, Apr 18, 2011
    Your car, being Euro, has dual use of that symbol for both handbrake, low brake fluid and
    disproportionate pressure in the brake system. The later only energized during braking.

    Chances are you're just low on brake fluid.
     
  5. Rrari

    Rrari Rookie

    Feb 2, 2010
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    Rob
    #5 Rrari, Apr 19, 2011
    Thanks,

    I'll check that first.
     
  6. Rrari

    Rrari Rookie

    Feb 2, 2010
    43
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    #6 Rrari, Apr 22, 2011
    Hi guys,

    Checked the brake fluid level and topped it up a bit, but the red light is still lit. I ran the engine, and pumped the brakes a bit, and also took the handbrake on and off. There was no change with the light. What do you guys think?
     
  7. ramosel

    ramosel Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2004
    1,237
    Meadow Vista, CA
    Full Name:
    R Moseley
    #7 ramosel, Apr 22, 2011
    Switch under the handbrake.

    Rick
     
  8. Paul_308

    Paul_308 Formula 3

    Mar 12, 2004
    2,345
    #8 Paul_308, Apr 22, 2011
    There are 4 switches which, when closed to ground, cause the dash brake warning light to come on. One is at the handbrake, à la Rick's picture. There are 2 switches in the brake fluid reservoir, one in each chamber. The fourth switch is nearby in the brake plumbing, called the proportioning switch. Just as there are 2 reservoirs, the brake pressure is divided into two circuits as a redundant failure mechanism. This switch monitors the pressure in both circuits to be equal. It normally only gets activated when you press on the brake pedal as with no pressure in either line, there is nothing to monitor.

    As there are 3 switches under the shroud forward of the cabin, I would open the bonnet and remove the shroud, then unplug the 3 switch which I believe have a white nylon connector on a pink wire. If the light now extinguishes, you've found the problem switch or maybe a brake problem. Afterall, the purpose of the warning light is to warn of an impending brake failure, not to test the switches.

    I've never heard of a proportioning switch itself going bad, perhaps gummy unchanged for a long while brake fluid has caused it to stick. One circuit can have developed a leak or cut brake hose but that should be noticeable in driveability. If the problem is at the handbrake, removing the center console is a time consuming job because the driver's seat must be removed first. Which is why I'd tackle that switch only after first ruling out the forward 3 switches. Let us know the progress/solution.
     
    Hirohisa Kato likes this.

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