little orange light

[lyndon]

When I bought my 200tdi I had a little orange light on the dash when ever I put the handbrake on. I had some work done on a hub seal and it went off. Its on again now. I have spoken to a mate who knows landrovers and he thinks its supposed to be on as a bulb test for the wear indicator. The pads are like new, fluids fine and connections are fine. The handbrake lever is a little stiff and so it is possible that it hasn't come on this last week or so becasue I wasn't pulling it up properly or the switch was stuck. I do have the other 2 red lights illumated as normal when the handbrake is applied.

Is this supposed to illuminate like this. It goes out when the handbrake is off ?.

[Skibum346]

Lyndon... can you describe the icon on the light... or post a decent piccie?

 :?:

[lyndon]

It below the two red ones and centre of them. Its orangey/yellow and has a circle with what I can only describe as brackets either side like this (O). Does that help. The hand book says it a wear indicator and should come on when hand brake is applied and ignition is in positiion II as a bulb check. This doesn't say if it stays on all the time whilst the hand brake is on or not. This one does and goes off when the handbrake is released. I can see that as not being a problem. It just why has it gone out for a week and then come on again.

I am hoping this is normal and that there is a problem with the switch on the handbrake. Like I said the brakes are all fine and have loads of meat on them, so its not a wear problem. Just want to make sure this is standard and not a fault somewhere. I will be striping the centre console the afternoon to sort out my bias plate and springs so I will have a look at the switch then.

[Skibum346]

Lyndon,

If the pic at the bottom is the light in question...

Then text below is the operation from a RRC electrical troubleshooting book for a similar year vehicle...

Seems to support your suspicion of the handbreak switch.

If you need the circuit diagram and troubleshooting tests let me know and I'll see what I can do about getting it to you.

Skibum

[lyndon]

thanks the very one. Like I said the pads are fine. It goes out when the handbrake comes off so I guess its okay to just leave it as is. I have checked the switch on the handbrake and all appears well.

[petergalileo]

That light is supposed to come on with the handbrake as a bulb test.  As your pads wear down once they get to a thickness where you should replace them the light will come on intermittently while you brake.  After a few more miles it will be on more or less permanently.

To be honest, ignore it, check your brakes visually (you already have I know).  I always think the brakes are the single most important item on any car and relying on a warning light is nuts.

[lyndon]

Thanks. I totally agree with you. Brakes,tyres and wheel nuts. All hold you on the road.