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Handbrake Warning Light
rsmith95uk - 2/4/09 at 10:53 AM

Hi,

I have a terminal problem with the switch on my Sierra handbrake lever, does anyone know:

1. whether the warning light is a requirement for MOT.

2. whether these are still available from a Ford Spares counter (separately from a complete handbrake lever assembly).

Any other solutions?

Cheers
Ray

rb968 - 2/4/09 at 11:00 AM

I had a bust switch on mine and wondered the same thing. I believe you need the warning light but am willing to be proved wrong. I pinched a similar switch from another car and put it on a bracket. No idea if they are available from Ford.

Rich

Vindi_andy - 2/4/09 at 11:00 AM

A normally closed micro switch available from maplin or RS could be used as Im sure thats all it is.

You'd have to make sure you connect the common the the chassis tho to give the earth for the switch when you lift the hand brake.

I dont think the handbrake switch is an actual MOT requirement its just the easiest way to have a check device for the low level warning light.

You could use an independant momentary switch wired in place of the handbrake switch to give the same function. ie wire that normally goes to handbrake switch connected to one side of the switch and the other side connected to earth.

Edited for spelling mistake

[Edited on 2/4/09 by Vindi_andy]

Mr Whippy - 2/4/09 at 11:01 AM

not required for an mot, my buggy doesn't have one and neither does the falcon

02GF74 - 2/4/09 at 11:04 AM

quote:
Originally posted by rsmith95uk
2. whether these are still available from a Ford Spares counter (separately from a complete handbrake lever assembly).

Any other solutions?


dunno but are you sure it is the switch itself that is not working? They are pretty robust so unless you have physically damaged it or driven in the sea to corrode the contacts, it is unlikley to fail.

Having said that, they are nothing special (I am assuming mk2 escort is similar) in that they have a spring loaded plunger to open the contacts and a threaded body to allow for adjustment.

I'll wager there are many equivalent designs that would not cost a packet that you can use, with some minor modification if required.

tegwin - 2/4/09 at 11:08 AM

as above, are you sure its the handbrake switch and not the fluid level sender on the mastr cylinder?

rsmith95uk - 2/4/09 at 11:16 AM

thanks for the quick responses.

Its definitely the switch thats the problem, the terminal is located in a plastic housing thats disintegrated around it. I have repaired (bodged) it once already with araldite, but its gone again and looks unrepairable this time.

As it seems this isn't required for MOT, I will ensure that the fluid level warning is working and not bother with the switch.

Cheers
Ray

scudderfish - 2/4/09 at 11:28 AM

You need some way to show that the low fluid level warning light works and hasn't blown.

Mr Whippy - 2/4/09 at 11:36 AM

quote:
Originally posted by scudderfish
You need some way to show that the low fluid level warning light works and hasn't blown.


well I can't mind if its a year thing but I don't even have the light to light up

jimgiblett - 2/4/09 at 11:38 AM

Get yourself down to a local scrappy. You can get one off a car in a couple of minutes. The guy at my local yard just waved me past when I asked how much he wanted for it

- Jim

MautoK - 6/4/09 at 05:29 PM

I think most/all Ford main dealers binned all their Sierra parts years ago. I've tried Exeter and Barnstaple for simple things (speedo cable and auto pan gasket) with no luck.
Breakers are OK for some parts, but not gaskets, for sure!