2003 Ford Focus Logo
Posted on Jan 29, 2010
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Handbrake light comes on but fluid level is topped up

2 Answers

Patrick Rayome

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Ford Master 1,757 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 29, 2010
Patrick Rayome
Ford Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Nov 10, 2009
Answers
1757
Questions
0
Helped
1558260
Points
6122

When you engage the handbrake the handbrake light should come on. It has nothing to do with the fluid level.
If it is coming on without the handbrake being applied, then you possibly have:
1. A faulty switch. The switch activates the handbrake light.
2. A stuck braking cable. To eliminate this place the handbrake on and attempt to back-up (reverse). It should not move with your foot off the brake. Do not put your foot on the gas (accelerator). Place your foot on the brake and disengage the the handbrake. Again with your feet neither on the gas or brake. The vehicle should move backwards.
In all likleyhood the switch is bad. It is easily located right under the handbrake arm and easily removed and replaced.
Let me know if this helped, or if you have any additional information, problems, or questions. Feel free to contact me at FixYa.com!

Anonymous

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

  • Expert 103 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 29, 2010
Anonymous
Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Governor:

An expert whose answer got voted for 20 times.

New Friend:

An expert that has 1 follower.

Joined: Jan 29, 2010
Answers
103
Questions
0
Helped
29012
Points
318

If you use your hand brake alot the cable will stretch over time. it may need to be tightened

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Abs warning light

Handbrake light on also indicate brake fluid level maybe low. Check and top-up. If ABS light still comes on, get your car scanned for ABS error code.
0helpful
1answer

The E break light is on?

Hi Adam
Make sure that the handbrake switch is functioning correctly,
check your brake fluid and top-it up as needed, if the brake fluid is low, it will cause the hand brake light to comes on.
0helpful
1answer

After replacing the rear pads on my mazda 3, the handbrake light comes on intermittently and now continuously.

This is a common mistake, but one that requires urgent attention......the handbrake light is also a brake warning light (fluid level). As you put new pads in the back, you will need also to top up the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder under the bonnet.

I hope this solves your problems.

Please vote if you like this response...!!!!!!!
0helpful
1answer

Mazda 6 2001, IBS and handbrake warning lights keeps coming on

Check brake fluid level.  If fluid level is low, it can cause lights to flicker on and off while driving.
3helpful
3answers

Flashing red stop light to dashboard

i have vauxhall vivaro van got starting problems could be glow plugs but now i have a flashing stop light on what looks like a picture of a engine
0helpful
1answer

1994 daihatsu Applause handbrake light wont go off!

check your brake fluid level i had same problem on a different car with handbrake light staying on and when i checked brake fluid it was on minimum light went back to normal after topping up fluid in the reservoir check the fluid "DOT" rating before buying this should be on the cap (ie DOT 4 fluid only)
0helpful
1answer

When start car ,hand brake down , light on

the brake warning light operates on / off with handbrake operation but also is linked to the brake fluid level sensor on reservoir cap so check fluid level/top up and make sure no fluid leaks?? level drops due to displacement due to brake pads wear so check pads? renew if low other than this check the handbrake switch has not broken or gone faulty ?
0helpful
2answers

My Brake Light on My dashboard is coming on when I brake, but the fluid is above the minimum level, and I had my brakes looked at less than a year ago.

This thing happens as the light is set to glow up when the fluid is less. Minimum level has been set just as a refrence to let you know that its time to refill the fluid. So don't wait for the fluid to cross the minimum level. Refill it and the light should go away.

0helpful
1answer

Loud low hum coming from the front of the car when accelerating. The handbrake/brake fluid light occasionally flickers on as I'm driving too. I recently hit the curb quite ******* the front left wheel. Do...

Hi ea
Im dave

The loud low hum sounds like a wheel bearing although i cant actually hear it. Does the sound get louder on right turns? Brake light coming on usually means low fluid check your fluid resorvoir if it below the max mark fill to the max mark. If it has run dry you probably need to bleed your brakes. The light however could mean your handbrake isnt fully released. Be sure it is all the way off if fluid level is adequate and the positioning of the cable is not kinked somewhere under the handbrake.
Not finding what you are looking for?

810 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Ford Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

xxxxxx xxx

Level 3 Expert

5117 Answers

Are you a Ford Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...