Intermittent Handbrake Fault Light

[djhampson]

For several mornings lately on the way to work my handbrake warning light (Yellow Exclamation mark in the Top Left corner of the speedo) has been flashing at me once every few minutes.

The light only stays on for a second but I can hear a clicking noise (like a relay closing) at the same time. The dashboard lights seem to dim momentarily as well.

I have a 45-60 minute drive to work and it usually stops after 20 minutes. It doesn't happen when I drive home from work. Nor would it happen when I tried to diagnose the problem on the weekend. (I even forgo my sleep in on Saturday!)

Applying and releasing the EHB makes no difference. EHB works fine. Restarting the engine doesn't stop the fault.

I think its an electrical problem because of the clicking noise and the fact the dashboard lights dim. I suspect a short somewhere but I can't think where to start.

I've put a Car PC in and have the computer and LCD wired into the ignition wire for the Stereo system. This is only a signal to turn the PC and Monitor on and off with the ignition. The main power comes from the second battery so it is not overloading any of the cars circuits. I've also had the Car PC in the car for several months now with no faults.

I'm going to take some tools with me tomorrow morning so if the problem occurs I can quickly disconnect the second battery and hopefully rule out the CarPC \ stereo \ etc.


Dealer couldn't find any error codes. (not that it means there aren't any - considering when I got the car home I found a socket attached to one of the bash plate bolts)

Can anyone suggest any reasons why the Handbrake Warning light would flash intermittently?

[CaverD3]

Clicking may mean that the actuator is stuck? EPB tries to activate but can't. Could be an adustment issue but thta is usually accompanied by a screamer.

[djhampson]

Where is the actuator? The clicking noise seems to be from in front of the steering wheel \ behind the dash console.

Also the EPB isn't being used at the time and it works ok when I do engage \ disengage it.

[CaverD3]

So the handbrake is working as normal and no noise just the light and clicking?

[djhampson]

Yep Handbrake works normally.

Clicking and light happens while I'm driving.

[CaverD3]

More likely an electrical issue then. A short or a fault in the handbrake module. Was it doing it when the dealer looked at it?

[djhampson]

It had occurred and I'd asked them to look at it. But they couldn't get the do it when they did the test drive.

[CaverD3]

Always the way isn't it. Looks like ashort or a poor earth connection.
Not sure of where the module is or how th wiring runs.
Try doing a search on DISCO3.CO.UK - Dedicated to Discovery 3 and LR3 Owners and Enthusiasts and see what you can find.

Someone else on here may know more than me though.

[djhampson]

What I might do is pull the EPB fuse when its doing it and see if that stops the clicking \ light.

Thanks CaverD3

[sniegy]

The EPB Module is located above the spare wheel, on the chassis.