The dashboard displays lots of warnings. A warning on the dashboard is an indication that there is something wrong with your car. We may drive and ignore some of these illuminations. However, a handbrake warning on the dashboard is a serious matter. The handbrake is a crucial part of your car's safety system.
It serves as the vehicle's backup braking system. It also keeps the car still when parked or if the primary braking system fails. So, you don't drive your car while there is a handbrake illumination on your dashboard. Continue reading today's guide. We'll address the handbrake sign and why it may appear on your dashboard.
What's a Handbrake?
The handbrake (parking brake) is a component within your car that secures it when you've parked it or when it is motionless. One engages the handbrake by pulling up a lever or pressing a button. The action on the handbrake forces the rear wheels to secure your car and prevent it from rolling back.
You will see the handbrake lights on the dashboard when you engage the handbrake. However, you may handbrake lights on the dashboard occasionally. In this case, the illumination indicates that the handbrake is engaged while not in use. The light may come up if you unknowingly engage it when driving. In other instances, you may be seeing the handbrake sign because there is something wrong with your handbrakes.
Why the Handbrake Lighting on the Dashboard and What Does It Mean?
Modern vehicles often come with a handbrake warning indicator on the dashboard. It appears on your dashboard if you've engaged it. The warning reminds you to disengage your handbrake before driving your car. The warning sign typically appears as a red circle enclosed in brackets. The red circle will have an exclamation mark enclosed within it. The warning alerts drivers that the handbrake is engaged. It's dangerous to drive with an engaged handbrake. It can seriously harm the vehicle's braking system. It is also a safety risk.
The warning light should disappear after you've released the handbrake. However, there are cases where the warning light persists even after disengaging the handbrake. It may happen if you still need to disengage your handbrake fully. It may fail to release if you have an underlying issue impacting the handbrake. Therefore, inspecting the vehicle by a qualified mechanic is crucial if you keep seeing the handbrake warning light even after disengaging it.
Issues That May Trigger Handbrake Lighting on the Dashboard
The handbrake warning indicator is an essential safety aspect in modern vehicles. Drivers should always release the handbrake before driving. They should always take necessary precautions when they notice unexplainable handbrake lights on the dashboard.
Here are the possible reasons why you may be seeing a handbrake sign on the dashboard even when the handbrake is not engaged:
1) Defective Handbrake Switch
A broken handbrake switch often causes the handbrake sign to appear on the dashboard because manufacturers design it to detect any engagement on the handbrake. Manufacturers often place it close to the handbrake lever or pedal.
Consider contacting your mechanic to assess the handbrake switch when you notice a persistent handbrake illumination.
2) Faulty ABS
The dashboard handbrake light will appear on the display unit if the anti-lock braking system (ABS) isn't working as expected. Consequently, the ABS may malfunction and may cause the handbrake warning light to illuminate. Manufacturers often design the ABS to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking. The ABS may malfunction if you have a bad sensor, defective wiring, or a faulty control module. Therefore, it results in ABS failure. The failing ABS can hurt the handbrake.
Contact your mechanic if you suspect damage to the ABS. They may trigger handbrake warning lights.
3) Leaking Brake System
If you have a leaking brake system, the handbrake light on a car's dashboard may come on. The leaks cause the fluid pressure within the braking system to drop. Hence, it may trigger a handbrake warning on the display unit. The leak may emerge from anywhere within the brake system. The leaks may come from the master cylinder, brake calipers, or brake lines. It could be challenging to stop the car if the leak is severe enough to result in a loss of brake pressure.
4) Worn-Out Brake Pads
The handbrake warning may also show up if a vehicle's brakes are worn-out because they may fail to disengage the handbrakes fully. Besides, it is advisable to change brake pads regularly to keep the in-built sensors responsive when driving. Also, a broken brake pad sensor may activate the warning light.
A replacement may help solve the persistent handbrake warning.
5) Low Levels of Brake Fluid
Low brake fluid often triggers the handbrake light on the dashboard. You will see the warning light if it falls below a predetermined threshold.
Your mechanic will help you pinpoint if you need to refill it.
6) Faulty Brake Lines
Brake lines may get corroded or damaged due to high temperatures or massive impact. The damage may cause a leak or obstruction. Therefore, the brake lines may eventually break, resulting in a loss of brake pressure. The low pressure may trigger the handbrake illumination if you don't replace them.
7) Electrical Problem
The handbrake sign may appear on the dashboard if the electrical system isn't working as expected. A defective wiring harness, blown fuse, or broken control module may cause an electric issue within the braking system. Moreover, a malfunction in one area of the electrical system may impact other areas within your car.
A skilled mechanic will help fix any electrical issue that may disrupt your car's braking system.
8) Malfunctioning Brake Booster
A brake booster is a braking system component that enhances the force delivered to the brake pedal. The handbrake sign may appear on the dashboard if the brake booster is broken or has a vacuum leak. The broken brake booster may harm the force applied to the brakes, resulting in the warning light on your dashboard.
9) Misaligned Brake Pads
The handbrake sign may appear on the dashboard if the brake pads are out of alignment. The brakes may fail to contact the rotor if there is a misalignment. Therefore, it may activate the brake pad wear sensor causing a handbrake warning on the dashboard.
Schedule a brake pads alignment session with your mechanic if you suspect you have misaligned brake pads.
10) Faulty Wheel Speed Sensors
The wheel speed sensor is a common feature in modern vehicles. It keeps track of each wheel's speed. The sensors utilize various systems in the car to detect when a wheel is about to lock up.
Therefore, faulty speed sensors may trigger the handbrake light if they cannot sense your wheels' locking mechanism. The warning light may also turn on if the ABS cannot calculate the speed of the wheels.
11) Faulty Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch detects when the brake pedal is depressed. Turning on the brake light switch turns on the brake lights. Your handbrake light will need an operable brake light switch to work as expected. Therefore, you may see the handbrake warning on the dashboard if it is not working correctly. The faulty brake light may switch on and off, causing a persistent warning light on the dashboard.
12) Worn-Out Brake Discs
The handbrake warning may appear on the dashboard if the brake rotors on a car wear out or break. When they wear out, they may fail to be in contact with the rotor. Therefore, activating the brake pad wear sensor. The activation, in turn, may trigger the handbrake warning.
13) Brake Master Cylinder Failure
The master cylinder converts the power delivered to the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure. The pressure is vital to your braking system. The damage may cause the master cylinder to break down or develop a leak. Therefore, damage to the master cylinder may trigger the handbrake warning. You may also see persistent or on-and-off handbrake warning lights if the brake system cannot sustain the required pressure.
14) Faulty Instrument Cluster
Lastly, you may be dealing with a broken instrument cluster. The damaged instrument cluster may erroneously display warnings.
Therefore, consider checking if your instrument cluster is operable.
Summary
The handbrake is a very crucial part of your car. Therefore, you should pay attention to a handbrake warning. Several issues may trigger the handbrake sign on your dashboard even if the handbrake is not applied. Some of these issues are minor, while others may require an immediate fix.
Always pay attention to warning signs on the dashboard, like the handbrake sign. It helps avoid problems early. You can also avoid preventing expensive repairs or, worse yet, an accident if you fix the issue as soon as you notice it. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Remember ignoring the handbrake warning may pose significant safety risks. Therefore, look for an expert to diagnose and fix the issues. Don't drive a car with a persistent handbrake warning.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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