[406] Display reads "Brake Fluid Low" when handbrake is on.

Discussion in 'Peugeot 406' started by Luke Wells, Jul 28, 2003.

  1. Luke Wells

    Luke Wells Guest

    Every time I put my handbreak on, the centre console display bleeps and
    flashes up "Brake Fluid Low"

    The brake fluid apears to be fine, so its a sensor fault. Any ideas where
    the sensor is and how the handbrake (being cable drivin) is activating it?

    Luke
     
    Luke Wells, Jul 28, 2003
    #1
  2. Luke Wells

    Andrew Guest

    It's your handbrake switch. I had the same problem about a year ago and
    wrote to this NG. It's a common fault and a redesigned switch is available.
    It's only about £4 from a Peugeot dealer.
    To change the switch you have to remove the centre console.

    Andrew
     
    Andrew, Jul 28, 2003
    #2
  3. Luke Wells

    Luke Wells Guest

    I dont doubt your answer, but what the hell does the handbrake switch have
    to do with the brake fluid level ????

    Peugeot ..... they just get better and better <cough>
     
    Luke Wells, Jul 29, 2003
    #3
  4. Luke Wells

    Mindwipe Guest

    i work on Fords now m8 i'd go back to pugs anytime(apart from that service
    manager with the broken nose............)
     
    Mindwipe, Aug 7, 2003
    #4
  5. Luke Wells

    scott Guest

    i work on Fords now m8 i'd go back to pugs anytime(apart from that service
    Yeh the designed for living, engineered to last, yeah for the next 2
    years when you have to MOT it for the first time. Then something
    silly becomes really silly expensive. Modding them is really iffy too
    cos whatever you do the emissions get hit big time. From what I was
    told in Lex the ECUs in Fords dont compensate very well so changing a
    filter hits emissions. Besides, they all look the same and have the
    most crappiest dashes ive ever seen. The fiestas look as if when they
    designed it they either ran out of plastic or got bored and couldnt be
    bothered to design anything else. The always show adverts of 4
    clubbers in a car going round town. Lets see one with them all in the
    car on the motorway for 3 hours!

    scott
     
    scott, Aug 8, 2003
    #5
  6. Luke Wells

    ken kerrison Guest

    I've got a 406 and an F150. I prefer the latter - something about the
    elevated driving position. The road holding and cornering are
    excellent too - goodness knows why because the engineering is pretty
    basic.
     
    ken kerrison, Aug 10, 2003
    #6
  7. Luke Wells

    David McKray Guest

    Would the display flahing BRAKE FLUID LOW be an MOT failure?
     
    David McKray, Aug 11, 2003
    #7
  8. Luke Wells

    scott Guest

    um i would say yes most definitely. If you were for some reason to
    develop a brake problem and that light doesnt work properly how the
    hell are you to know before its too late? If you have an MOT coming
    up then I would make a list of things it could be, start from the top
    and move down slowly. Thats what i do and my car flew through the MOT
    about 2 months ago!

    However, in contrast to this, if your engine management light came on
    then it wouldnt matter because if all the tests came back to be ok in
    the MOT then that light doesnt make a jot. Could just be a dry joint
    or something. One the whole the most common things to fail are
    emmissions, lights, brakes and CV gators. Oh, and check your tyres
    too, your spare will pass cos its only illegal now if you put it on
    your car (UK).

    scott
     
    scott, Aug 11, 2003
    #8
  9. Luke Wells

    David McKray Guest

    I won't say no, but it shouldn't fail. As long as there is no leak.
    How do I get to the switch? Do I just take the middle plastic bit out?
     
    David McKray, Aug 12, 2003
    #9
  10. Luke Wells

    Nigel Guest

    Push both seats forward. Remove the 10mm bolts at the rear sides. Push
    the seats back. Remove the ashtray, and then the ashtray holder by
    lifting it at the rear with a screwdriver. Pull the light bulb and
    holder away, and let it go into the console. Remove the gear lever
    gaiter with a screwdriver at the rear. Under the gaiter you'll see two
    10mm nuts holding the console to the floor. Remove.
    Remove the trim under the handbrake lever with a screwdriver at the
    forward end. Under the trim there is a sliding piece of plastic that
    moves along as you operate the handbrake. Gently guide it under the
    console. If fitted, remove the seat armrests.
    If the only electrical items in your console are a cigar lighter and
    the passenger airbag de-activation switch. Then lift up the rear of
    the console to it's fullest extent. You should be able to fit an 8inch
    extension bar under the console to hold it up. If you have heated seat
    switches then you will have to disconnect them to get enough lift on
    the console.
    Then go in through the o/s/r door. Around the base of the lever is a
    rubber gaiter. Lift it up to expose the switch. Remove the plug from
    the switch. Note the metal arm on the lever that contacts the switch
    when the lever is down. Note it is parallel. Lift the lever up as far
    as it will go. Get a pair of pliers and bend the metal arm upward a
    few mills. You don't need a great deal. Then remove the old switch by
    rotating it upward. Fit the new one in reverse. You may need to press
    down fairly hard to lock it into place. Then bend the arm back to it's
    original position. Connect up the plug, start the car and try the
    handbrake lever. Make sure the light on the dash goes out when the
    lever is down, and comes on by at least the second notch up.
    If all is well then proceed in reverse order. Hopefully I haven't
    forgotten anything. I did one this afternoon and it took just over 10
    minutes. Peugeot will charge half an hour labour plus the price of the
    switch. Can't recall what that was.
    Good luck!!
     
    Nigel, Aug 12, 2003
    #10
  11. Luke Wells

    David McKray Guest

    Thanks, that seeme like you've given plenty of detail. I'll let you know how
    it goes!

    Thanks again
     
    David McKray, Aug 13, 2003
    #11
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