406 HDi Brake Fluid Warning

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Sun 14 Nov 2004 12:26
406 HDi Brake Fluid Warning - AdrianM
Typical, just as I put the old Pug up for sale I get a new warning light appear!!

When I apply the handbrake I get a beep and the computer tells me that the "Brake Fluid Level Low". It isn't low - it's right on the max mark. The handbrake holds the car fine, and in fact it just passed the MOT since this warning started appearing.

I guess it could be a dodgy sender unit but why would it do this only when the handbrake is applied?

Anyone with any experience of this and (hopefully) an easy fix?
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Tue 16 Nov 2004 12:49
406 HDi Brake Fluid Warning - Mike M
Check the microswitch on the handbrake lever - it's probably got high resistance contacts. A squirt or 2 of WD40 should reduce the resistance enough for it to work properly.
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Tue 16 Nov 2004 13:39
406 HDi Brake Fluid Warning - pmh
Many cars use the handbrake on microswitch to act as a test for the other brake related indicator bulbs(leds), this would account for handbrake micro switch initiating the indicator. It may be more complex and disable this function once the engine is running, or after the ignition switch has been turned beyond position 1 (or 2?). Did it used to test the indicator at switch on before the fault started occuring?

I would use proper contact cleaner or check microswitch operation and adjustment first. (WD40 is an insulator but does get used for everything!)


pmh (was peter)
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Wed 17 Nov 2004 11:41
406 HDi Brake Fluid Warning - balford
Hi,

I had this exact problem a while back, here's a link to the thread which discusses the problem and the fix:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=23850

6 months later, no recurring problems.
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Wed 17 Nov 2004 19:04
406 HDi Brake Fluid Warning - AdrianM
Thanks for all replies - it'll be the weekend before I get a chance to work on it but it sounds pretty straight forward, even I should be able to manage it.

Balford, thanks for the link - I feel suitably ashamed for not searching properly!

Adrian
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