I have a 2001 Mk2.5 1.8 sport - the handbrake warning light that looks like this (!) intermittantly comes on while driving. I’ve checked the fluid levels and they’re fine and there hasn’t been any noticable drop in the level in the last 2 months. Also as soon as I turn the engine off and on again it goes back to working as normal.
There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to when it comes on either, it’s done it a few times on short journeys but during 3 consecutive days of long distances it didn’t come on at all. I’m tending towards a dodgy electrical connection, but where? I assume there is a level sensor somewhere near the reservoir in the engine bay, and is there a switch somewhere by the handbrake as well?
Any ideas would be appreciated!
There is a brake fluid level sensor on the master cylinder reservoir. Check the connection there (give it a wiggle see if the light comes on) and if so it’s either a dirty connection or needs a new sensor.
Or it could be the handbrake switch which is at the back of the lever.
Most likely the handbrake switch if fluids are full .Take out the centre console ,fittied by only 4 screws and check switch beside the actual handbrake lever.
I presume your car does not have wear wires on the brake pads themselves as in newer models ??If ti did this may be the fault but even at that the light would be on more regularily as pads wear down a little.
No MX-5 has ever had electrical pad wear indicators on the brake pads.
Make sure that the round float in centre the brake fluid reservior is free to move and not stuck down. It should be right at the top of it’s chamber when the brake fluid level is full. Does your ABS lamp come on when you turn the ignition on?