Amber handbrake light

N

nay31911

Member
Hello,
I've just had new rear brake pads out on and I can't get rid of this amber banbrake light. My garage say the problem could be with this little electrical box that sits behind the rear right brake caliper and isn't cheap to replace. In searching for answers on other forums I found that a few people say it's due to low brake fluid and others say it's a software update fault. My garage are specialists in BMW but not the real deal and they have admitted to me before that there generic diagnostics machine doesn't always identify specific problems precisely. If anyone has had this issue and has been successful is fixing it I should be most grateful if you were to advise me on what to do. Thanks in advance.
 
1. Could be a dodgy brake wear sensor.
2. Software update (EMF module) is a possibility
3. Low battery fault (needs dealer attention)
4. If the warning light is still on, see what "Check Control" message is stored. Using the small lever on the turn signal stalk, scoll until you see the warning icon with the word "Check" on the dash. Then push the end button on the stalk to read the message.

Keep us all updated..
 
Thank you for your reply. Did that and the message reads parking brake fault. Have the prob checked by BMW service. I will book it in get it sorted and update. Thanks again
 
In actual fact my battery light comes on with the ignition off and radio playing for a minute or so. I put this down to leaving the car sitting for 3-4 weeks while away on holiday. Maybe it's the battery or something else you suggested, hopefully not this little box my guy spoke about. I'll keep you posted. Cheers
 
nay31911 said:
In actual fact my battery light comes on with the ignition off and radio playing for a minute or so. I put this down to leaving the car sitting for 3-4 weeks while away on holiday. Maybe it's the battery or something else you suggested, hopefully not this little box my guy spoke about. I'll keep you posted. Cheers
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Battery, i will put £10 on it :thumbsup:
Just pop down a local tyre, battery dealer and get the battery discharge tested, takes 5 min, probably free and will give you ammo to go to your dealer......
 
Will do thanks. The electric handbrake has stopped working. Amber light still on obviously. Will update when sorted. Cheers guys
 
FYI. BMW re-programmed everything and fixed the problem. Obviously it just needed hooking up to a proper diagnistics machine and given a thorough over haul in that respect. Cost me just over 200 Euros here in Spain, more than I was expecting
 
The guy I dealt with said it could be the whole mechanism which costs 500 plus labour so if ever you experienced this problem with the amber handbrake light tell your guys my success story and make sure they undertake this re-program process without changing any parts. Pretty sure my advice will save yourself a few bob ;)
 
Seems like another story where software fixes a problem. Why should that be. Software doesn't wear out like tyres.
There must be fundamental problem with their software or something is corrupting the program. How soon before it needs doing again.
Personally I would try to get it fixed for free, must be a design problem.
 
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