Hello,
I wonder if anyone could advise please? The handbrake "on" dashboard warning light on my Masterace 2C-T, has decided to stay on permanently. The switch, which is switched to the off postion by the handbrake lever, is OK. In fact, I have now unplugged it. It seems that the dashboard warning light is getting it's current from somewhere else. With no wiring diagram, I am unable to get much further so, has anyone any advice on what might be happening and where I might look next ? Any advice much appreciated

- (#3692) John Davis, 7 Jul 02

Are your brakes OK? There is also a vacuum switch on the round chamber behind the front bumper to signal a faulty vacuum pump, ans some models may also have a float switch inside the fluid reservoir (known problem on some other models...)
Or you might have nipped the wire to the h'b switch under the floor when refitting. Just a thought.

- (#3697) david miller, 8 Jul 02

Thanks for those comments David. I had thought that there might be some more sophisticated components coupled to the system but, did not know where to look. Yes, the brakes are perfect so I think the vacuum assistance is OK. After considering your comments, I now realise that the h/b warning light is probably linked into other "areas" of the braking system so, a thorough check is now required. Thanks again

- (#3700) John Davis, 8 Jul 02

I am desperately trying to think of an excuse and wriggle out of a bit of stupidity. Unfortunately, there is no excuse so, I must eat humble pie.
David, again, was spot on with his diagnosis re the handbrake warning light staying on. On my Masterace 1990,I now discover that there IS a "low Level" brake fluid switch in the fluid reservoir and the handbrake "on" indicator, on the dashboard, doubles as a low fluid level indicator. The Ace vehicles have a very good, and accessible, visual indicator on the side of the reservoir (just inside the drivers door)so I had concluded that this was the only level indicator. However, in true thorough Toyota style, there is this secondary indicator. In my case, as I had replaced the front pads a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly bled the system, the system had obviously settled down and the fluid level had edged, only slightly, towards the low mark. So, it's worth remembering, if you have the same symptoms as I did, ie, the "handbrake on" warning light staying on, check the fluid reservoir.

- (#3703) John Davis, 8 Jul 02

Nice one John.

I'm sure we're all guilty of this John, me more so than others. Takes guts to admit it publicly though.

Ian

- (#3720) Ian Dunse, 9 Jul 02