Handbrake light staying on.

TheDarkangel · Dec 9, 2010

The lights started staying on a bit and now its pretty much always on after ive come out of first gear on setting off. Is it possible the cable needs tightening?
On a gentle slope, with the handbrake off, the truck rolls forward easily so its not stuck on or anything. And when its on it it needs ramping up quite a bit but holds.

How would I go about adjusting the cable? underneath? in cab? Any info on it would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

mowerman · Dec 9, 2010

I would adjust the rear brake shoes first, rather than the handbrake cable

wozizname · Dec 9, 2010

mowerman said:
I would adjust the rear brake shoes first, rather than the handbrake cable

X2
Adjust up the 'automatic adjusters' :lol: on the rear shoes to remove the play :thumbleft:

Please also consider this possible cause :idea: with the poor weather lately, maybe the handbrake cables have been frozen, causing the inner cables to not release. thus holding the brakes on and therefore the handbrake switch on :?:
Woz

chris vince · Dec 10, 2010

I think you need to look at the handbrake switch, may be loose or have a bent bracket?
From memory I believe it is beneath the handbrake lever within the centre consul.
Chris

2.5TD · Dec 10, 2010

Don't know if it's the same for the navs but my last car would light the handbrake light to indicate low brake fluid level. Have you checked your brake fluid resevoir?

chris vince · Dec 10, 2010

2.5TD said:
Don't know if it's the same for the navs but my last car would light the handbrake light to indicate low brake fluid level. Have you checked your brake fluid resevoir?

Good point!
Wish I'd thought of this.
Chris

TheDarkangel · Dec 11, 2010

Yea first thing I did was check the brake fluid level an thats fine.
The weird thing is: starting from parked overnight with handbrake on. start engine in morning, take handbrake off and the light goes off. Put it in first and take off and when I take it out of first thats when it comes back on and generally stays on untill I come to a stop then happens again when i get going.
Ive tightened up the cable underneath (drivers side, near enough under the driver headrest) which hasnt changed owt.

Where abouts do I find the hallowed handbrake switch?
If its not too much to ask, how do I adjust rear shoes?
Thanks all!

Fazerkid · Dec 12, 2010

Dude i had this problem last week and i was told check the Brake fluid..
It was 1mm under the max and i topped it up and hey presto i was away again

I was also looking at the wrong fluid for a while Oops...

osc.bergerud · Jan 11, 2025

Do you know what year and model it was?

Handbrake light staying on.

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