[SDP]

I have a Alto 7 years old, 45K on the odo. Since last 2 days, the handbrake indicator which looks like (!) is permanently glowing when the car is running. I have checked multiple times to ensure that the handbrake is completely disengaged, but the indicator refuses to go off.

About 4 months back, I had visited a MASS for wheel-bearings issue and while checking the rotation of the wheels, the SA noticed that one of the rear wheels is not rotating freely. He suggested complete inspection of the brake system and I opted for it. During the day he called up and informed me that RR wheel cylinder and brake shoes need replacement. I have no concrete recollection, but I believe he quoted some 5-6K for the same. I was skeptical as I had noticed nothing abnormal about the brakes. So I told him not to replace anything. While taking the delivery I asked him about the cylinder and shoes. He mentioned that they are on their last leg and would fail. I asked him if there would be any early indication and he mentioned that the handbrake-engaged indicator starts glowing.

I still feel the brakes the same. May be the change is so gradual, that one doesn't seem to notice it. With that as a background, are my brakes really failing? Any opinions on whether the cylinder is repairable or needs replacement only? Any idea about the approximate expenses?

Thanks - SDP

Dear Mods, Searched for this, couldn't find anything relevant. So starting a new thread. Please delete/merge as appropriate.

[Rodie09]

Have you checked the brake oil level. that it must be.

[ph03n!x]

Originally Posted by Rodie09

Have you checked the brake oil level. that it must be.

+1 - Check the brake oil level ASAP, the brake indicator is not just to show if the hand brake is engaged, but to denote a low brake oil level too.

[DueLLeR]

Originally Posted by ph03n!x

+1 - Check the brake oil level ASAP, the brake indicator is not just to show if the hand brake is engaged, but to denote a low brake oil level too.

+1 again. The hand brake light glows even when disengaged when the brake fluid level is low. This used to happen in my Zen also.

[mb_jg]

The brake oil level has dropped due to some leakage. Since the car has already clocked 45k kms, check the master & slave cylinders for leakage.

Avoid running your car anymore till it's fixed, the brakes will just give up without warning & it could be a potential disaster.

[EssYouWe]

Its the exact same diagnosis as everyone else.

I will just highlight the point mb_jg made:

Do not drive without rectifying this.

[Cyrus43]

LOL!! Check the Fuse and the connector switch. It has shorted for sure!!

[rajismine]

I had the same issue soon after my safari was serviced...
checks done:

1.) Break Oil
2.) Wheel rotation to check how free they were
3.) Complete inspection of breaking system
4.) Inspection of switch under hand break to see if it was stuck
5.) Inspection of meter console to check for short circuit

CULPRIT:
Wire earthing/shortcircuit in engine bay

While pressure washing the engine bay, one wire got touched to the body and hence there was short circuit/earthing leading to this.

The guy used multimeter to diagnose where exactly was the issue and found it in 2 hrs

try this out...check if any wire is touching the body. Also replace the small switch under the handbreak...

Do update us

Rajeev

[aa_asif]

Chances are the brake fluid level is below minimum. You could buy a small bottle of DOT3 brake fluid and fill it yourself.
The problem could also be with the jamming of rear drum brakes. You should get the whole assembly overhauled and lubricated. Also lubricate the Handbrake cable.

It is the most important part of your car. Please do not take a chance with it.

Drive Safe!

[V-16]

The handbrake indicator comes on for various reasons.

1) If the handbrake is engaged or even if the button/sensor activating the light is faulty
2) Brake pad wear
3) Low brake fluid
4) Electric fault

Have your car checked with a professional mechanic, probably a Maruti service station would be the best bet.

[JustCause]

@SDP
AFAIK, the 2 contact sensors for this particular Warning light are at the bottom of the hand brake lever & at the lid of the brake fluid reservoir. Check these two first. I also had the same issue, but in my case the light only comes on intermittently. I got the brakes checked and they were found to be OK & also, the light came on when I removed the reservoir cap. The brake fluid was between the MIN & MAX mark.

Originally Posted by rajismine

try this out...check if any wire is touching the body.
Rajeev

How I do it?

Do I need to check for a wire with stripped insulation(bare) touching the body & shorting it.

[mjothi]

As most guys mentioned, check the brake fluid first.

Btw, check your user manual and I am sure it would be mentioned for such visible warnings. Drop in to any Maruti service station, and get this checked at ONCE.

Why user manual? In mine, its both (!)(P) will glow if running on low brake fluid. So, confirm this with your manual or service center.

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by V-16

The handbrake indicator comes on for various reasons.
2) Brake pad wear

Does the Alto come with sensors to indicate brake pad wear? In fact, which Indian car does?

[Sutripta]

Isn't it also linked to the alternator charging circuit?

Regards
Sutripta

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by Sutripta

Isn't it also linked to the alternator charging circuit?

It used to be - when the charging failure light came on, the handbrake/brake failure light also used to glow. It doesn't anymore on the newer cars.