What Causes the Constant Illumination of the Pajero Handbrake Light?
2 Answers
The constant illumination of the Pajero handbrake light can be caused by insufficient brake fluid, a damaged taillight bulb, or severely worn brake pads. The specific reasons are as follows: Insufficient Brake Fluid: Brake fluid is an essential part of the vehicle's braking system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the force applied is transmitted by the piston in the master cylinder through the brake fluid to the wheel cylinders located at each wheel, causing the brake pads to contact the wheels and stop the vehicle. Damaged Taillight Bulb: The brake fluid reservoir has upper and lower level marks. When the brake fluid level falls below the lower mark, the sensor next to the reservoir detects this condition and reflects it through the brake light on the dashboard. If the brake fluid decreases rapidly, it indicates a leak in the braking system. Severely Worn Brake Pads: Severely worn brake pads can also cause the handbrake light to stay on, necessitating the replacement of the brake pads.
When I first drove the Pajero, I also encountered the handbrake light staying on constantly. It might be that the handbrake lever isn't fully released—try pulling and releasing it a few more times. Another possibility is low brake fluid level; pop the hood and check if the fluid in the small reservoir is above the MIN line. If that doesn't help, it could be a faulty switch or sensor, perhaps due to aging or sticking. Electrical issues like a blown fuse or short circuit can also trigger false warnings. Don’t forget to inspect the dashboard itself for malfunctions. For safety, pull over and check as soon as possible. If you're handy, you can test the fuse or do a simple multimeter check yourself. It's best to avoid long-distance driving to prevent actual brake system failures. If all else fails, head to a professional repair shop—it won’t cost much but ensures peace of mind.
