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

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

 

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

 

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>

 

i work on Fords now m8 i'd go back to pugs anytime(apart from that service
manager with the broken nose............)

 

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

 

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.

 

Would the display flahing BRAKE FLUID LOW be an MOT failure?

 

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

 

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?

 

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!!

 

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

Thanks again