Why does the handbrake warning light stay on when the handbrake is released?
2 Answers
The reasons why the handbrake warning light stays on when the handbrake is released are: the handbrake is not fully engaged; insufficient brake fluid; or a faulty brake pad. Handbrake not fully engaged: The handbrake light may stay on if the handbrake is not fully released. Even if the handbrake is pulled down, it might not press the switch properly. In this case, the driver should repeatedly check if the handbrake is fully engaged. Insufficient brake fluid: Low brake fluid can also cause the handbrake light to stay on. When the brake fluid level drops below the safety line, the handbrake light may remain lit. There can also be false alarms, such as when driving uphill or during sudden braking, where the steep angle or fluid movement may trigger a false alert from the fluid level indicator. For such occasional alerts, if the brake fluid is slightly low, adding an appropriate amount of brake fluid can turn off the handbrake light. Faulty brake pad: Worn-out brake pads or foreign objects stuck in the brake pads can also cause the handbrake light to stay on. If the brake disc surface becomes uneven, stepping on the brakes may produce sharp metal friction sounds. This situation can also lead to insufficient braking force, longer braking distances, or softer brakes. Replacing the brake pads can resolve this issue.
I've been driving for almost ten years and have encountered this situation two or three times. The most common cause is insufficient brake fluid—when the fluid level in that small reservoir drops too low, it triggers the warning light. I remember once before a long trip, I noticed this issue, popped the hood, and saw the fluid had reached the minimum line. It could also be that the handbrake switch is stuck, especially after rainy days when water gets in and causes rust, leading to poor contact. Severely worn brake pads can also trigger the light because the brake calipers require more fluid as the pads wear down, causing the fluid level to drop. Aging or short-circuited wiring is another possibility—my neighbor's car had a constant light due to exposed and shorted wiring in the engine bay. Don’t take it lightly; driving with this light on feels unsettling. It’s best to check the brake system as soon as possible.
