I have a ford ka 2002. The handbrake sign keeps flashing when i am going down a steep hill. Why?

Question

My handbrake is definately not on. It sometimes flashes when i brake aswel. Anyone know why?

Answer 1

There are a few possibilities. The handle for the parking brake may not be staying down all the way. If you push the button in on the handle when the light comes on and make sure the handle is fully un-engaged, does the light go out while you are doing this? If so, then you need to make sure the handle is fully un-engaged. Because if it is partway up, instead of all the way down, that will happen.
Another possibility is that the brake fluid in the master cylinder under the hood is low on brake fluid. That brake light will light up if the brake fluid's sensor sees it as being low while you are going down a hill. That is a very strong possibility of what is happening if the brake fluid is low at all. Just do not fill the brake fluid very much above the top line for the normal level if it is already close to the top line.
Another possibilty is that the brake pads or brake shoes may be pretty worn, which does lower the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If that is the case, you may also need to replace the brakes soon, before it does any damage to the brake rotors or drums.

Answer 2

There are a pair of opportunities. because of the fact the "parking brake" cable grew to become into in simple terms replaced, it has in all probability stretched a splash whilst the rigidity is utilized via using the parking brake. in simple terms in simple terms remember to get the transmission completely into parking equipment and supply it a month or so for the recent cable to thoroughly stretch greater, and then have the storage that replaced it make an adjustment on it to soak up the "slack" led to via the cable stretching. the 2d probability is that the brake pads are worn down slightly and perchance could desire to have been replaced as nicely. dissimilar the time a mechanic will advise this in the experience that your brake pads are worn low whilst they artwork on the automobile. you ought to ask with reference to the brake pads once you come back the automobile for the adjustment of the cable. until eventually you have this checked, in simple terms confirm you turn the front wheels in the direction of the size down once you're parked on an incline. That way, if the transmission could desire to "slip" out of "park", the automobile could roll forwards or backwards, yet will come to take a seat back against the size down and not hit yet another parked automobile. it extremely is often a powerful theory each time.

Answer 3

the handbrake light often doubles as brakefluid level warning... now if the level of breakfluid is low, the incline may make the level fall even more arond the sensor, thus triggering the alarm. this is very likely the answer if the light goes out when you get level again.

Answer 4

Are you sure it is not the fuel gauge or the sign could be your brakes need looking at i would go with the last one

Answer 5

get a mechanic to look at it properly.

sounds like low brake fluid. could be a number of reasons why, but do you really want to guess at it if it is your brakes at fault?

Answer 6

check your brake fluid level,it uses the same warning light

Answer 7

you may have water sloshing around in your electrics. when you go down hill it moves around in the electrics.

Also check your break fluid level, it is cheap to top up. But check for leaks......very dangerous!

Answer 8

Your brake pads have gone

Answer 9

maybe it could even be a bad switch. on an incline maybe even bumps the switch makes contatc and turns your light on

Answer 10

The second answer is right, by tutanub.