Hi Guys

The handbrake light stays on in my 6N2 Polo when the handdbrake is down. It beeps all the time and is so dam annoying.

Has anyone ever changed a handbrake switch?

Can you someone explain how to do this please.

Many thanks in advantage

Edited 3 September, 201214 yr by Sunni

Hi Guys

The handbrake light stays on in my 6N2 Polo when the handdbrake is down. It beeps all the time and is so dam annoying.

Has anyone ever changed a brakelight switch?

Can you someone explain how to do this please.

Many thanks in advantage

Brake light switch will put EPC light on, not handbrake light.

There's a guide in the FAQ that tells you exactly how to do it.

Handbrake light on is usually a fault with the braking system. If it's on with ABS light, iirc it's a more major problem.

I'd suggest plugging it in with VAG-COM first to see if there's anything showing error codes, before you go diving in changing parts that don't need to be changed. - If there are error codes, don't always assume that's your error, the codes could be ancient!. Make a note of it, remove the error code and if it comes back, it warrants further investigation.

Sorry meant to say handbrake switch?

iv edited the post.

ps: no ABS light on

Edited 3 September, 201214 yr by Sunni

Sorry meant to say handbrake switch?

iv edited the post.

ps: no ABS light on

no worries,

as for handbrake switch, i don't know, so i'll let someone else answer.

my only guess would be a poor ground somewhere...

Edited 3 September, 201214 yr by Duey

Don't forget the light also doubles up as a low brake fluid warning, try disconnecting the connector on the brake fluid resevoir, assuming the level is OK.

Both the handbrake switch and the low fluid switch provide an earth to the instrument pod to put on the light, so the previous answer sugesting a poor earth is a red herring.

As to the handbrake switch can't find any direct info on replacing it but here's an overview of the handle

1 - Handbrake lever

2 - Handle

q Press down locking lug underneath handle using a small screwdriver and pull off forwards

3 - Handbrake cover

q Pull off upwards

Here's the wiring diagram

F9 is the Handbrake lever switch and F34 is the low fluid switch

When my ABS was disconnected at the front I had ABS light on and handbrake light flashing (also giving 4 beeps when ignition was turned on!

so the previous answer sugesting a poor earth is a red herring.

Hence why I said guess and that I didn't know, so would let someone else answer.

Your answers are always excellent too, clear and full of information, without being "OMFG HOW MUCH TO DO!!!'

so the previous answer sugesting a poor earth is a red herring.

Hence why I said guess and that I didn't know, so would let someone else answer.

Your answers are always excellent too, clear and full of information, without being "OMFG HOW MUCH TO DO!!!'

I'm sorry you feel offended, I just did'nt want the OP chasing his arse looking for a fault that was'nt there.

It's difficult to know at what level to pitch any answer on here, as the levels of experiance varies so much, you can be answering a question to a 17yr old who has just passed their test and only knows where the petrol filler is, or another 17/20 yr old who has been involved with cars from a younger age and has a great knowledge of how the car works and has done most jobs on a car, and is doing some colledge/University course, they could blind me with tech info.

I have been around cars for 40+ years, several years (5+) in motorsport and as an ex member of the Army Elite Squadrons mobility troop, I do have a vast knowledge of vehicles

Thank you all for replieing guys, i'll have a look at the brake fluid level :)

Really appreciate everyones help on here.

Massive thank you to everyone for helping. It was indeed the brake fluid.

Glad you got it fixed,

For anyone who stumbles onto this thread, the switch should just twist or slide out of its bracket and is located next to the handbrake mounting under the plastic cove (inside the car)

HTH