Escort Handbrake

[bflt39]

The handbrake light keeps flashing on and off whilst I am driving along. What does this mean and is it possible that I can rectify this myself? It's a '95 Escort Ghia

[Fitzer]

I don't know about the Escort but on a Toyota I had it indicated that I had low brake fluid, it flashed on and off as the car went round corners or up and down slopes and the fluid would slosh over the sensor.

[Potatoman]

i would suggest you got this checked out to be on the safe side.

[Ewood27]

Check the front disc pads too.  If the light flashes when you put the brakes on, it could be the pads are worn and the detector piece inside is contacting the disc and causing the warning.

 

Worn pads will also lower the brake fluid level.

[sft42]

Electrics are a known weak point in older Fords.....I have an escort of the same vintage and the handbrake light also comes on intermittently but does nothing to affect driving...as long as the brakes themselves are not binding this shouldn't be a major problem but do check your lights as they are sometimes also mucked up with the same problem.