Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what?

LcTo · 15-09-2006, 13:08

Hi,

I have just bought a Skoda Octavia 20V 1.8 turbo from 2000. Sometimes I experiences that the handbrake light flashes and bibs. It is typical when I make high accelerations in the intermediate rpm range and/or when the car rolls when cornering or going up hill. The car engine runs smooth and nice, so it seems not to have a notable impact on the performance.

Hope someone can help me by telling what this is about?

best regards,
Lars

Bigw2069 · 15-09-2006, 13:10

Sounds like your handbrake switch is fooked mate

LcTo · 15-09-2006, 13:13

Hi,

Perhaps you are right, but intuitively I would think, if this is the case then the light should work in the same manner as when it is parked that is constant light and no bibbing…or not?

Best regards,
Lars

Jon TDI · 15-09-2006, 13:20

If the wheels are rotating it will warning you that the handbrake is applied by flashing light & beeping.
If your handbrake is off then you have a faulty switch.

LcTo · 15-09-2006, 13:37

Hi again,

I have just been out test driving. That is when pulling the handbrake at high speeds and/or rpms it just turns on a constant light, even when forcing the error (Flashing handbrake light and bibbing) on and pulling the handbrake then the light goes from flashing to constant and back again when the hand brake is off.

All in all I do not think this is a faulty switch – this is an error or warning for something else that is wrong in the system either mechanical or electrical…

Any suggestions?
Lars

Neily03 · 15-09-2006, 13:44

Check the brake fluid level!

Brake fluid is a liquid (funnily enough) and if the level is just low enough when corning or going up and down hill the fluid will move side to side or front to back and set off the low level warning! Common sense really!............

LcTo · 15-09-2006, 13:57

Hi again,

No, that is not it!

Any qualified suggestions or common sense?
Lars

cheezemonkhai · 15-09-2006, 14:49

Check your manual for the warning.

If it isn't in there try getting somebody with VAG-COM or a dealer to read the error codes for you.

As for qualified suggestions and common sense, the brake fluid and the switch have been known to cause these problems for other owners, hence the suggestion to check these first.

People are only trying to help you by chjecking the cheap things first.

Bigw2069 · 15-09-2006, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by LcTo

Any qualified suggestions or common sense?
Lars

Quote:

Originally Posted by LcTo

Hi,

Perhaps you are right, but intuitively I would think.........

Maybe if you are looking for common sense you should actually check these things instead of intuition??

Good luck

And do remember to come back and visit the forums once you have found your problem

Lummox · 15-09-2006, 21:45

If you drive along with the handbrake lever up you WILL get a warning symbol and an audible warning.

That warning can only be caused by a low fluid level, a faulty handbrake switch (providing the handbrake isnt up) or the associated wiring.

LcTo · 16-09-2006, 12:36

Thanks all, without the generated ideas this would not have been the outcome:

Ruling out errors with the handbrake, good idea with the fluid level, this was also in the instruction book, although without any comment about flashing and/or bibbing, but the brake fluid level was ok.

Result: Replacing the top cap with the break fluid switch and wiring fixed the problem, everything was fixed with minimal expenses, thanks.

Best regards,
Lars

MissyC · 18-11-2006, 08:08

Good to hear you have a result.
Finally I have found someone else who has a similar prob with the flashing brake light.

I must try your solution by getting the cap/sensor/wiring replaced at some point soon.

My handbrake light flashes under differenct circumstances to yours tho.

First time I encountered it I was 200 miles into a 300+ mile journey home on French motorway, so not gear changes for ages and at a non-hilly, steady 70-90mph drive. Beeped and flashed a few times then solid red. Slowed down and changed into 5th and light went out!

Pulled in to services, checked brakes weren't hot (AOK), checked fluid level (also AOK).

Drove leisurely for a while then back to cruising and didn't happen again till the next day in UK after 100+ motorway miles. Slowed and changed down and light went out.

This has been a sporadic re-occurrence. Had it VAG com checked and no errors.
No probs found at 20k service.

Also (occassionally) get a brief red flash of handbrake light changing down from 6th to 4th (bypassing 5th) and very rarely going from 4th to 5th.

Just had 30k service and no prob found as it's not a constant error, but seems it's likely the sensor so will get the cap with sensor replaced when I also get a new coolant bottle as JBS suggest the occassional flashing of the temp light is also a faulty switch in the bottle itself. (This one is apparently a frequent known fault.)

Bit disconcerting tho when you're en route and have lights flashing and knowing whether it's for real or a sensor fault!!

15-09-2006, 13:08	#1
LcTo Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Hi, I have just bought a Skoda Octavia 20V 1.8 turbo from 2000. Sometimes I experiences that the handbrake light flashes and bibs. It is typical when I make high accelerations in the intermediate rpm range and/or when the car rolls when cornering or going up hill. The car engine runs smooth and nice, so it seems not to have a notable impact on the performance. Hope someone can help me by telling what this is about? best regards, Lars

15-09-2006, 13:10	#2
Bigw2069 Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Rosyth,Scotland Posts: 5,380 Thanks: 201 Thanked 200 Times in 164 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Sounds like your handbrake switch is fooked mate __________________

15-09-2006, 13:13	#3
LcTo Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Hi, Perhaps you are right, but intuitively I would think, if this is the case then the light should work in the same manner as when it is parked that is constant light and no bibbing…or not? Best regards, Lars

15-09-2006, 13:20	#4
Jon TDI Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: North East England Posts: 3,196 Thanks: 34 Thanked 29 Times in 28 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? If the wheels are rotating it will warning you that the handbrake is applied by flashing light & beeping. If your handbrake is off then you have a faulty switch. __________________ Black Magic SEAT Leon 2.0 TDI Sport - Green panel thingy, Upsolute jiggery pokery, Koni FSD/Eibach Pro Kit bouncy stuff, 18" Audi A8 Parabol rims, '08 Cupra black/honeycombe grille. Also driving around in a Mini ONE that thinks it's a Cooper!

15-09-2006, 13:37	#5
LcTo Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Hi again, I have just been out test driving. That is when pulling the handbrake at high speeds and/or rpms it just turns on a constant light, even when forcing the error (Flashing handbrake light and bibbing) on and pulling the handbrake then the light goes from flashing to constant and back again when the hand brake is off. All in all I do not think this is a faulty switch – this is an error or warning for something else that is wrong in the system either mechanical or electrical… Any suggestions? Lars

15-09-2006, 13:44	#6
Neily03 Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Knutsford Posts: 854 Thanks: 3 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Check the brake fluid level! Brake fluid is a liquid (funnily enough) and if the level is just low enough when corning or going up and down hill the fluid will move side to side or front to back and set off the low level warning! Common sense really!............ __________________ *Black Magic MY07 Fabia v/RS with Cruise, Xennons, Heated Seats, Dension Ice-Link+, Aero wipers & Jabba RARB.* Last edited by Neily03; 15-09-2006 at 13:47.

15-09-2006, 13:57	#7
LcTo Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Hi again, No, that is not it! Any qualified suggestions or common sense? Lars

15-09-2006, 14:49	#8
cheezemonkhai Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14,612 Thanks: 86 Thanked 396 Times in 367 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Check your manual for the warning. If it isn't in there try getting somebody with VAG-COM or a dealer to read the error codes for you. As for qualified suggestions and common sense, the brake fluid and the switch have been known to cause these problems for other owners, hence the suggestion to check these first. People are only trying to help you by chjecking the cheap things first. __________________ Cars make CO2 and trees absorb CO2. By driving your car you're feeding a tree and helping the environment.

15-09-2006, 21:45	#10
Lummox U18 Automotive Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 21,750 Thanks: 22 Thanked 634 Times in 544 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? If you drive along with the handbrake lever up you WILL get a warning symbol and an audible warning. That warning can only be caused by a low fluid level, a faulty handbrake switch (providing the handbrake isnt up) or the associated wiring. __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services now open Servicing, repairs, modifications you name it we do it. Cupra console bushes at special price, PM for a very competitive quote.

16-09-2006, 12:36	#11
LcTo Briskodian Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Thanks all, without the generated ideas this would not have been the outcome: Ruling out errors with the handbrake, good idea with the fluid level, this was also in the instruction book, although without any comment about flashing and/or bibbing, but the brake fluid level was ok. Result: Replacing the top cap with the break fluid switch and wiring fixed the problem, everything was fixed with minimal expenses, thanks. Best regards, Lars

18-11-2006, 08:08	#12
MissyC Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: N Derbyshire Posts: 40 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Flashing handbrake light and bibbing, which means what? Good to hear you have a result. Finally I have found someone else who has a similar prob with the flashing brake light. I must try your solution by getting the cap/sensor/wiring replaced at some point soon. My handbrake light flashes under differenct circumstances to yours tho. First time I encountered it I was 200 miles into a 300+ mile journey home on French motorway, so not gear changes for ages and at a non-hilly, steady 70-90mph drive. Beeped and flashed a few times then solid red. Slowed down and changed into 5th and light went out! Pulled in to services, checked brakes weren't hot (AOK), checked fluid level (also AOK). Drove leisurely for a while then back to cruising and didn't happen again till the next day in UK after 100+ motorway miles. Slowed and changed down and light went out. This has been a sporadic re-occurrence. Had it VAG com checked and no errors. No probs found at 20k service. Also (occassionally) get a brief red flash of handbrake light changing down from 6th to 4th (bypassing 5th) and very rarely going from 4th to 5th. Just had 30k service and no prob found as it's not a constant error, but seems it's likely the sensor so will get the cap with sensor replaced when I also get a new coolant bottle as JBS suggest the occassional flashing of the temp light is also a faulty switch in the bottle itself. (This one is apparently a frequent known fault.) Bit disconcerting tho when you're en route and have lights flashing and knowing whether it's for real or a sensor fault!!

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