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MG MGF Technical - Handbrake-on warning light

Hiya,

Sure this has been covered many times before; my red handbrake on indicator keeps showing when the handbrake is actually not on; sure it's just switch needing to be adjusted near the handbrake, but is it something i can tackle myself? If, so how do i do it? I guess i need to be able to get under the handbrake itself under the floor. Fed up moving the handbrake from side to side to switch off the light! many thanks,

Janine
JANINE ELLIOT

well....

unfortunatly it probebly not the switch.

The handbreak mechanism freezes in the brake calipers which leads to the lamp staying on.

Often it can be disassembled and greased to fix (otherwise it's 90GPB for a new caliper)


If you want to gloss over the problem, the CD size cubbyhole has an insert that can be pulled up and out. Under this you will see the gear cables, the heater pipes and the handbreak adjustment, the nut can probebly be turned a few clicks by hand - if not then it's a 13mm spanner
Will Munns

Thanks for this; I'll have a look when I take out the car tomorrow!
JANINE ELLIOT

Switch is a common prob. on rover. Had same prob. on 114gta and MGF. Handbrake lever doesnt push the switch down far enough. Bodged mine. Would have thought cable or lever is the problem.
Kevin Sales

Unsure if the MG is the same; some vehicles have a float switch in the brake reservoir, this illuminates "handbrake" light constantly if the reservoir becomes low alerting driver to the situation.
A M Cox

Oh yes, the F is the same... but pushing down on the hand break lever won't make that light go off!
Will Munns

But if it is a low reservoir and not the switch at the handbrake, filling it can easily solve the problem...
A M Cox

This thread was discussed between 05/10/2008 and 09/10/2008

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