Yesterday found out that the brake warning light (the one on the dashboard that looks like (!) ) is not working. Turning on the ignition the the light will come on briefly, all lights go off when start the engine, which means the bulb is working. The warning light will not stay on whether when hand brake is engaged. Any ideas?

I have a w reg 1.4 comfort 16v 87k

Edited 14 October, 200817 yr by jiangleijay

Anybody?

Dodgy handbrake microswitch? Try gently applying the handbrake whilst moving to see if the warning beep comes on. If it doesn't, prolly the switch.

Short the wires before the switch to test whether the circuit or switch (thats all the switch does so no harm).

I am no car expert. I think I will leave it to the mechanic. How much do you think this will roughly cost?

I am no car expert. I think I will leave it to the mechanic. How much do you think this will roughly cost?

Go on, start heading towards being one! Just short the wires together on the connector at the handbrake switch (after unplugging the switch from the wiring cable) - maybe use a paper clip or a small pair of nail scissors - with the engine running that should bring the "brake warning" light on - if it does then you need a new switch or at least the old switch looks like its fitted correctly.