Freelander 1 Handbrake light function

Just been out tracing an intermittent ABS and TC lights on fault. Identified as right-hand rear wheel sensor. Checked by driving with all wheel speeds displayed. The RH rear kept dropping to 0 so fault found.







However, the handbrake lamp has been staying on from a start up recently. I thought it showed fluid level and handbrake (both fine) but it gets a feed from ABS too. Could it be that if the ABS fails its self test at start up it leaves the light on? If so this is a function that many don't know about, including me !!

andyfreelandy said:

Could it be that if the ABS fails its self test at start up it leaves the light on? If so this is a function that many don't know about, including me !!

Click to expand...

The ABS ECM does control the HB warning light. However I'd be checking the fluid reservoir level switch is still connected to the wiring connector.
You can do this by looping the 2 terminals together at the plug. If the light goes out, your culprit is a broken connection between the float switch and the connector on the reservoir itself. I've seen this issue a few times over the years, including my V6 and TD4.

Thanks. It only stays on at start up and then only sometimes. Never appears while driving if off when started up.

Will check float assy, also, will change wheel sensor and see if it clears the hb problem too. Maybe another function of the lamp ?!?!

I seem to remember that Rave explains the handbrake light function in detail.

RAVE says:
Brake Fluid Level Switch
The ABS ECU (C0501) provides a feed to the brake fluid level switch (C0026) on a BW wire.
The switch is closed when the correct amount of brake fluid is present in the brake fluid
reservoir. The switch (C0026) is earthed on a B wire. If the brake fluid level drops below the
recommended level, the switch contacts open. When the ABS ECU registers the switch
opening, it informs the instrument pack to illuminate the brake fluid warning lamp via the
CAN-BUS.
Illumination of the brake fluid warning lamp is also controlled by the ABS ECU
(C0500 on 01MY vehicles, C0501 on 02MY vehicles) via the CAN BUS on YN (Low)
and YB (High) wires. If the warning lamp is illuminated while the handbrake is released,
urgent attention is required to the braking system.

The handbrake is purely a switch and electrical circuit.

SO the ABS can light the lamp from a low brake fluid or maybe another failure!
Will repair the sensor and see if the warning light issue is also resolved.

I know, I will unplug the intermittent sensor making it a permanent failure and then see if the 'handbrake' light comes on on each ABS self test !