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custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20281

Dash. Warning brake light

Rarely I notice on steep descents especially changing down on low gears I notice the dash brake light coming on intermittently.
It doesn't ever stay on just lights up momentarily then goes off soon enough.

It never does this unless in this situation so I'm ruling out handbrake and thinking maybe the brake fluid float is moving around?

If it wasn't for this I would be thinking handbrake wire but it works perfectly as it should and doesn't cause any issues at all unless on a decent that is steep usually downhill and in lower gears.

Any ideas?

Might be worth checking the handbrake switch and wires though I suppose.

15th Nov 2015 7:39pm

midlife

Member Since: 15 Apr 2015
Location: Cork
Posts: 122

Mine did this. It was fluid level. I gave it a slight top up and not done it sincr

15th Nov 2015 7:41pm

couplands

Member Since: 31 Aug 2011
Location: Peak District & Cornwall
Posts: 1826

My light has started coming on lately too, it appears to be the handbrake which isn't returning fully to the off position. I also need to check/adjust the switch.

cheers

simon

15th Nov 2015 7:43pm

PK1

Member Since: 19 Oct 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 96

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey

Also, the push on blade connector on the handbrake can become loose making the light intermittent.

Quick check is to squeeze the gaiter when the handbrake is off and if the light comes on it is most probably the connector.

Defender 110 TDCi XS SW
Range Rover Sport HSE

15th Nov 2015 8:10pm

GSLRO

Member Since: 13 May 2012
Location: Tyne and Wear
Posts: 499

midlife wrote:
Mine did this. It was fluid level. I gave it a slight top up and not done it sincr

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Ditto

Adventure isn't paved!

15th Nov 2015 9:03pm

Mo Murphy

Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2214

1984 Defender 90 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel HT Auto Pennine Grey

Yup, as the other chaps say it's your fluid level. As you go down the incline the fluid moves to the front of the reservoir and as a result the level under the float drops allowing the low level switch to close and bring on the light on your dash.
HTH
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey

15th Nov 2015 9:29pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20281

Excellent, so I'll check.
I'm pretty sure the fluid level is where it should be though but I'll have a look.
May as well check the handbrake too.

Will have a poke around tomorrow hopefully.

Thank-you for suggestions too.

15th Nov 2015 9:36pm

jimbob7

Member Since: 06 Jul 2013
Location: uk
Posts: 2055

As said top up,it's a very fine line between being "empty" and "full". Pov.spec,ftw. 2006, 110,TD5.

16th Nov 2015 8:11am

Dave Bellis

Member Since: 21 May 2014
Location: Shrewsbury
Posts: 133

2014 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Keswick Green

Had exactly the same and as previously posted a slight top top up of the brake fluid cured the problem....

Dave

16th Nov 2015 6:13pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20281

I had a look just at the fluid level today.
You chap are right, it has dropped slightly but still much much more nearer the max level but that us probably enough.

Need to look up the specs to get some more..

16th Nov 2015 6:24pm

jimbob7

Member Since: 06 Jul 2013
Location: uk
Posts: 2055

dot 4,might as well blow fresh fluid thru the lot,must be getting cloudy by now?? Pov.spec,ftw. 2006, 110,TD5.

16th Nov 2015 7:26pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20281

I will get the brake fluid changed completely and bled shortly.
In the mean time I'll top up slightly.

Does anyone know the Specs LR use? Other than DOT4 of course.

Looking on opie's site earlier there is Castrol react, a regular Castrol a slightly cheaper one and a Shell version.
I think it's most likely Castrol used before.
I've been trying to look to find out what was used when I was changed but I can't seem to find the info I need.
Opie's site layout for vehicle specs has changed slightly too, so it's not as easy to work out.

25th Nov 2015 1:19pm

jimbob7

Member Since: 06 Jul 2013
Location: uk
Posts: 2055

I use any branded stuff for quality assurance,Castrol,Mobil and Pagids from Eurocarparts is cheap in bulk.Mobil available from Halfords but not cheap.
Other than that dot 4 is dot 4.Not like engine oil where there is a,b,c,d spec...ffs

Demon tweeks on eblag is about cheapest for Castrol. Pov.spec,ftw. 2006, 110,TD5.

25th Nov 2015 1:26pm

K9F

Member Since: 12 Nov 2009
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 9610

2008 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey

For perfectionists, purists or those like myself with mild OCD. Workshop Manual states......

Recommended hydraulic fluid SHELL DONAX YB DOT4 ESL FLUID

If you go through life with your head in the sand....all people will see is an ar5e!!

Treat every day as if it is your last....one day you will be right!!

Last edited by K9F on 25th Nov 2015 1:58pm. Edited 2 times in total

25th Nov 2015 1:39pm

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20281

There are specs applicable as they are mentioned on the page.

K9 - Spotted that one, probably go with that then. Thank-you.

25th Nov 2015 1:45pm

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