Defender Hand Brake light

[Scallops]

Hello Folks,

Just had my ignition replaced by LR under warranty - they were simply replacing the battery cable and managed to arc my starter motor and wreck the ignition - so both got replaced.

After doing some 4 wheel driving over the weekend, I noticed that now, on steep decents, my hand brake light will come on, then go off again when I level out.

What's going on? :angel:

[camel_landy]

Sounds like the brake fluid level warning switch (uses the same warning light on the dash).

Chances are that it's a complete coincidence, just check the fluid levels.

HTH

M

[Scallops]

Sounds like the brake fluid level warning switch (uses the same warning light on the dash).

Chances are that it's a complete coincidence, just check the fluid levels.

HTH

M

The level is half way between max and min - so I guess that is probably it - thanks.

PS - I hadn't done any 4 wheeling since the last service when the brake fluid was tested, and hence the level in the reservoir lowered from max.

[weeds]

even tdi's do this..........at least its not a puma only issue;)..........:pi'm sure it all can be linked to the ford motor somehow

[Scallops]

even tdi's do this..........at least its not a puma only issue;)..........:pi'm sure it all can be linked to the ford motor somehow

Great! :D Cos I had the horrors that this might require another trip into Austral! :p

[Lionel]

Sounds like the brake fluid level warning switch (uses the same warning light on the dash).


I agree - I've had this happen, and the brake fluid levels don't have to be very low for the light to come on when on steep slopes.

Cheers,

Lionel

[dullbird]

But the question is Why is your brake fluid down that much?

I would be checking for any weeps just in case.....

[crump]

But the question is Why is your brake fluid down that much?

I would be checking for any weeps just in case.....

NO, I'm sure the weeping starts after the warranty expires!:p (just joking Scallops).

[dullbird]

that will be exactly when i start weeping:)

[Scallops]

It's not leaking at all. MR took some fluid out at the last service to test it - they can tell if it needs replacing or not. ;)

They don't fill it to max again - but it is well above min and has not dropped since this was done in July.

I just haven't been down any mega steep tracks since - that's all.

[Bushie]

Fluid level will also drop as the pads wear, the pistons move out in the calipers leaving more space behind to be filled with fluid.

Steep downhill seems to be worse (probably as you also tend to be on the brakes more).


Martyn

[one_iota]

Steep slopes and brake fluid reservoir level....used to happen on my Disco.

[dullbird]

Steep slopes and brake fluid reservoir level....used to happen on my Disco.

does to me on my disco when my pads wear like bushie said

[Xtreme]

Is there an adjustment on the Td5 Defender handbrake warning light switch and if so how does one access it?
I have the warning light on almost all the time, except when I apply a little extra pressure in the off direction to the handbrake lever. Brake adjustment/operation is OK apart from the warning light.

[camel_landy]

Is there an adjustment on the Td5 Defender handbrake warning light switch and if so how does one access it?
I have the warning light on almost all the time, except when I apply a little extra pressure in the off direction to the handbrake lever. Brake adjustment/operation is OK apart from the warning light.

The switch for the handbrake itself can be found just underneath the gater around the handbrake lever.

Have a look under there and see if there's anything obscuring it. Failing that, you might need to adjust the cable to take out some slack... (the adjustment is on a nut on the other side where the cable runs through the seat box).

HTH

M

[solmanic]

Yep. Brake fluid sloshing around in the reservoir off-road is the cause. Happened to me the other week at Scenic Rim.

[Lionel]

But the question is Why is your brake fluid down that much?

I would be checking for any weeps just in case.....

Yes, I was a bit spooked when it first happened to me, but it was only normal drop of the fluid level due to pad wear. At the next service they topped up the MC a bit and it stopped happening during trips.

There was definitely no leak, fortunately!

Cheers,

Lionel