Why is the handbrake light always on?
2 Answers
The reasons for the handbrake light staying on include the handbrake not being fully released or insufficient brake fluid. Specific explanations are as follows: Handbrake not fully released: The handbrake is not truly in the released position; Insufficient brake fluid: Lack of brake fluid, with the fluid level below the safety line; Brake pulling: If the handbrake light is on and accompanied by the vehicle pulling to one side during braking, it may be due to uneven brake pad wear or uneven force from the brake caliper. This situation requires immediate inspection and repair, as it can compromise driving safety. The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, functions to provide resistance when the vehicle is parked, preventing it from rolling. It is equivalent to the parking gear in automatic transmissions, locking the drive shaft or rear wheels.
When I first started driving, I also encountered this issue. It was quite puzzling when the handbrake light stayed on. If the light remains on even after the handbrake is fully released, the first thing to check is whether the brake fluid level in the reservoir is sufficient. This light actually monitors two things: the handbrake status and the brake fluid level. Once, my car had a brake fluid leak causing the level to drop too low, and the light stayed on constantly. Another possibility is that the sensor switch under the handbrake lever is stuck. You can fix this by removing the handbrake cover and spraying some WD-40. If it's due to a short circuit or a dashboard malfunction, it's a bit more troublesome—you’ll need a multimeter to test the circuit. The scariest scenario is a brake system fluid leak. If that happens, don’t push your luck and keep driving.
