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90roy

Member Since: 21 Jun 2016
Location: Middlesbrough
Posts: 130

Brake fluid warning light - MOT failure

Hi,
Hoping you guys can help. The truck failed on 2 things
1. Rear ladder obscuring the number plate (it's been on there 4 years and they only just mention it now.... Wtf? - anyway sorted as I removed the ladder... For now.

2. Brake fluid warning light not coming on when ignition is first switched on as bulb check. This one's a bit harder. I bought a new reservoir cap and this has made no difference, the level sender works fine and if I remove the cap the bulb on the dash lights up but it still does not come on in test mode before I start it up.

Do you have any ideas where I could start looking please?

Ta,

Roy 300tdi 90 1996.

22nd Mar 2018 7:12pm

srod

Member Since: 20 Mar 2015
Location: Argyll
Posts: 190

What about your handbrake light?

Same light for both handbrake and fluid level is it not? Maybe just handbrake switch at fault?

22nd Mar 2018 7:30pm

90roy

Member Since: 21 Jun 2016
Location: Middlesbrough
Posts: 130

Never thought of that srod. Where is the switch located? 300tdi 90 1996.

22nd Mar 2018 7:39pm

jonny

Member Since: 10 Mar 2013
Location: North Wilts
Posts: 175

Re: Brake fluid warning light - MOT failure

90roy wrote:

but it still does not come on in test mode before I start it up.

Does it not come on when the engine is cranking, not when the ignition is on but the engine isn't running? I'm pretty sure on my v8 it does that..

22nd Mar 2018 8:01pm

90roy

Member Since: 21 Jun 2016
Location: Middlesbrough
Posts: 130

No it doesn't Jonny.
I had to check just now though.. 300tdi 90 1996.

22nd Mar 2018 8:04pm

srod

Member Since: 20 Mar 2015
Location: Argyll
Posts: 190

90roy wrote:
Never thought of that srod. Where is the switch located?

It's at the base of the handbrake lever, possibly under the rubber gaiter, so an easy one!

Does your your handbrake light come on, when the handbrake is on...?

22nd Mar 2018 8:16pm

90roy

Member Since: 21 Jun 2016
Location: Middlesbrough
Posts: 130

Actually no it doesn't srod.

I'll have to strip it down tomorrow and have a look.

Thanks.

Roy 300tdi 90 1996.

22nd Mar 2018 9:06pm

grafty99

Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: North Devon
Posts: 4796

The brake fluid warning light doesn't come on with ignition to test. It only comes on if the brake fluid is low or the handbrake is on

2002 90 Td5 Station Wagon
1990 Vogue SE
Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200
Td5 90 Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic50767.html
Tdi 110 Thread https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic69562.html
RRC Thread http://www.defender2.net/forum/topic54492.html
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22nd Mar 2018 9:14pm

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2706

It should come on with the starter crank as a light test. There is a relay that performs this function, wiring diagrams will show it.

The handbrake switch was not fitted to most Defenders, only higher spec models.

22nd Mar 2018 10:04pm

grafty99

Member Since: 15 Aug 2012
Location: North Devon
Posts: 4796

My parents 300 definitely doesn't and hasn't failed an mot because of it

23rd Mar 2018 7:32am

dorsetsmith

Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: South West
Posts: 4554

As stated there is a relay that performs this function, shown on this wiring diagrams see the link

https://www.defender2.net/gallery/albums/u...le0006.PDF

23rd Mar 2018 7:40am

90roy

Member Since: 21 Jun 2016
Location: Middlesbrough
Posts: 130

Thanks guys.

Where will the relay be located? In fuse box area in the cab or engine bay?

TIA.

Roy 300tdi 90 1996.

23rd Mar 2018 11:32am

dorsetsmith

Member Since: 30 Oct 2011
Location: South West
Posts: 4554

fuse box area in the cab i think 4 one from left hand side

23rd Mar 2018 12:47pm

90roy

Member Since: 21 Jun 2016
Location: Middlesbrough
Posts: 130

Many thanks for the help and suggestions.
I found a corroded wire to the handbrake cable which was the issue.

It definitely helped me knowing where to look / start which made this a relatively easy fix.

Roy 300tdi 90 1996.

24th Mar 2018 10:17am

EuropeDefender

Member Since: 02 Apr 2018
Location: Tuscany
Posts: 11

1998 Defender 90 300 Tdi SW Coniston Green

Hi.
My 300 hasn't any test light function.
Only glow plug light. Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum

2nd Apr 2018 8:32pm

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