My octy mk1 2003 tdi has just started randomly but becoming more regular started beeping a warning light on the dashboard its the handbrake light, it beeps about three times flashes a few times then goes off.

Would i be right in guessing its something like brake fluid or rear caliper problem?

I would check the level of your brake fluid to start with.

Or it might be the low front nearside pad warning.

Could it be the "you've left the handbrake on" warning, could be a problem with the switch on the handbrake.

Is this when your stationary or moving?

I did double check handbrake several times but I have now toppedt the fluid up v slightly and so far no warning light but if it needed topping up doesthat mean it's got speak somewhere? And as for pads they were changed not long ago

Just to check, this is the COOLANT / TEMPERATURE light, and is probably the coolant level sensor:

This is the HANDBRAKE / BRAKE light, and is probably the handbrake switch:

Dealt with both over the years...

Right chaps,

I topped the fluid up v slightly and it seemed to cure the problem but the warning light has come on again since. Could it now be the handbrake switch as mentioned previously? maybe a silly question but where is that located? how much are they and are they a diy job?

Thanks in advanced for any help

Since topping up the fluid, as the level dropped again? Maybe you are leaking brake fluid. On my car, the coupling on the clutch slave cylinder caused some fluid loss......

Edited 23 December, 201015 yr by mbames

I think there must be a leak somewhere as it does seem to be coming on more frequent so that would suggest fluid is leaking out somewhere. Is it likely to be the master cylinder or could it be anywhere on the pipework? also how much are the master cylinders should it need one?

I can't remember the prices for either the master or slave cylinders. I had my master cylinder replaced for a different reason. When I saw mine was leaking fluid from the slave, I assumed it the cylinder at fault, but it turned out to the be the olive/union bit on the end of the metal hydraulic pipe which was leaking (only discovered this once I had changed the slave). As the pipe was routed around the back of the engine I let Skoda do it....

Mine was ok when I drove the car, but the ex used to sit in the traffic with her foot on the clutch, which meant it pee'd the fluid out much quicker when she drove it - which ultimately allowed me to find the fault/leak point. So maybe she did have her uses after all

best have a good look for leaking fluid when its daylight then and take it from there

Cheers for the help

Mine was leaking out from the the under-engine tray...... - spotted the fluid loss when it was up on the ramps. Then asked the ex-gf if there were any problems with the car...., "oh yes", she said, "a brake light came on dash along with some beeps" (or something like that). Handy how they only tell you of a fault once you ask if there is a problem

Edited 23 December, 201015 yr by mbames

Mine was leaking out from the the under-engine tray...... - spotted the fluid loss when it was up on the ramps. Then asked the ex-gf if there were any problems with the car...., "oh yes", she said, "a brake light came on dash along with some beeps" (or something like that). Handy how they only tell you of a fault once you ask if there is a problem

Was it the clutch or brake master cylinder on yours then? as my clutch pedal does sometimes stick down moreso when cold :'(

My master cylinder was replaced due to the clutch pedal getting stuck to the floor (seems to be a half-common issue once the clutch has been changed - maybe due to the way the garage bled it through) - non skoda/vw place (they paid!)

However, when the fluid was leaking out, I changed the slave, but it turned out it was the union on the slave end of the metal hydraulic pipe. I let Skoda change that, as the routing of the pipe was a right PITA. (see post #9).