[sidharth_j]

Hi Guys,

The handbrake light on my M800, keeps lighting up while i drive, despite me not using the handbrake. What could be the reason for this?, and should i be worried?

Its been doing this for the past week, had no issues whatsoever before.

[speedsatya]

it could be a brake problem ....check teh brake oil level!!!!!!!!!

[sidharth_j]

checked that already, thats the first thing i did :-)
Its on just below the max level.

In fact my car came out of service just last month, and the brakes were checked then.

any other reasons possibly?

[Ram]

Originally Posted by sidharth_j

Hi Guys,

The handbrake light on my M800, keeps lighting up while i drive, despite me not using the handbrake. What could be the reason for this?, and should i be worried?

Its been doing this for the past week, had no issues whatsoever before.

There's a tiny spherical headed switch, under a plate on the handbrake lever.
With the car parked somewhere. Pull the handbrake up.
Now reach under the lever and push the button down with your finger.

Does the handbrake light in the instrument panel go off?
if it does, you may only need to clean or replace the switch
if it doesn't, you may need to check the wiring

Hope this helps, and do let me know, if you succeed or fail.

[sidharth_j]

ram,

Thanks for the response. My M800 is an '89 model. I couldnt find any switch that you mentioned; are u referring to the switch on the lever? at one end?

anyways, i tried this out with the car idling, I pulled the handrake up, then let it down; but still the light stays on.

But, i think i 'd take your advise and have the wiring checked.

[hrag]

Originally Posted by sidharth_j

I couldnt find any switch that you mentioned; are u referring to the switch on the lever? at one end?

The switch is at the hinge end - not the end where you hold the lever.

[sidharth_j]

satya/ram/hrag,

Thanks for the advise and concern :-)

Got this fixed today. Checked the wiring, and topped up on dot3 brake fluid.
everything looks good.

[sidharth_j]

Had to dig this thread up, as now I am having a problem with my Hyundai Getz.

The brake oil indicator has been glowing for the past two days, and on checking the fluid level, found that its on minimum. So, consulted the manual, and it says 'use DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid'

Now, my question is, how can i be sure that the fluid in the reservoir is DOT 3, or DOT 4? is it by looking at the color?..I mean is red color brake fluid DOT3, and white/colorless fluid DOT4?

Which do you guys normally use for new gen cars like the Getz?

And finally, can DOT3 and DOT4 brake fluids be mixed? will this affect the braking system in some manner? I have read somewhere that DOT4 can be readily mixed with DOT3, but not the other way around.

I have got a can of DOT4 fluid ready...just waiting for everyone's reply...

[sidharth_j]

Mods, please feel free to modify the title of the thread to 'Hyundai Getz brake fluid problem' instead of 'M800 problem'

[iraghava]

I'm not very sure of this but in my car using any of the two - Dot 3 or 4 works perfectly. Since the company mentions them as options & says nothing on mixing I think you would be safe using either & mixing the two.

[viper]

Hey,

Dont mix them. Use DOT4 only.You can identify the type via the colour.

Viper

[2fast4u]

Dot4 can be mixed to System using Dot 3 result will be good
but mixing
dot 3 to a System using DOT4 does not damage in any way but only the performance will be reduced to some extent. And considering Braking u should not compromise.

Since u have DOT4 just go ahead and spill it in.

just for info never mix DOT5 to the above as its Silicon based and the 3 & 4 are polyglycols.

[sidharth_j]

There seems to be no end to the problems with my M800. Here's the latest one...

The service guys had cleaned and adjusted the carburettor during the last service. Ever since that, the vehicle has absolutely zero pulling at low rpm, and jerks a lot while driving, in any gear.

There is also a misfire every now and then from the engine not just when its cold, but even while running...

Another funny thing i noticed was that the area around the handbrake was getting awfully hot after driving for around 30 mins or so..

Are these problems related?..Could something be done about the non-existent pickup at low gears?...I'm pretty sure this has happened after the carb cleaning, cos i did not have these problems earlier.

Would appreciate it very much if anyone can advise on this...

[deetee]

Originally Posted by sidharth_j

T

Another funny thing i noticed was that the area around the handbrake was getting awfully hot after driving for around 30 mins or so..

Am facing a similar problem, not that it is awfully hot. I can touch the area around the hand brake- i mean just beside and behind it , beneath the carpet. It's hot(or should i say very warm). I wondered if i had not released the brake lever fully but this happened everytime i took out the car for a spin of more than 30 mins. Though i wanted to check it up at next service, I saw this thread and I wish some one will point out if it is normal or if not what should i expect to get repaired?

[Ram]

Originally Posted by deetee

Am facing a similar problem, not that it is awfully hot. I can touch the area around the hand brake- i mean just beside and behind it , beneath the carpet. It's hot(or should i say very warm). I wondered if i had not released the brake lever fully but this happened everytime i took out the car for a spin of more than 30 mins. Though i wanted to check it up at next service, I saw this thread and I wish some one will point out if it is normal or if not what should i expect to get repaired?

It has nothing to do with the handbrake.
I believe, the heat is coming from the exhaust pipe. If it bothers you too much, it would help to place some fireproof insulating material between the exhaust pipe and the floor board.