Handbrake warning when revving engine in neutral

[ihadablackdog]

So when I rev the engine with the handbrake on, and the car in neutral (or clutch pressed) I get a bong and the handbrake symbol on the dash.

Mines a Nov 2011 20i. Back in 2012 I had a new 2012 model and I don't remember it doing this.

Is this normal and can it be stopped?

(dont rev the b0ll0x off it, just sometimes like to rev it a bit with the roof down when I've reversed onto the drive to hear a bit of exhaust noise!).

 

[mcbutler]

First place I would look is the battery, get it discharge tested, usually free. Odd electrical snags like this are generally related to a dying battery.

 

[Maniac]

First place I would look is the battery, get it discharge tested, usually free. Odd electrical snags like this are generally related to a dying battery.

^^ this. It’s not normal.

 

[Nictrix]

Is it definately doing it in neutral?
If its only doing it when its in gear with your foot on the clutch it could just be a warning to put it off as it thinks you are trying to pull away.
Not had this myself as I dont rev cars at a standstill.

 

[flybobbie]

My car does the same, assumed it was normal.
Rev past say 2000 and bong, release brake warning.
Only with foot on clutch.

 

[metal licker]

Normal both mine did it

 

[mcbutler]

No, not normal more like a common fault but not 'normal'.

 

[ihadablackdog]

I'll check it tomorrow, and make sure its in neutral without the clutch pressed in.

Everything else electrical works on the car, even start stop, so could it be a battery? I think its more by design, hence asking.

(I don't make a habit of it, and don't go boy-racer about it, and its only at the end of a journey when hot, just I don't remember it from my last cars).

 

[ihadablackdog]

Is it definately doing it in neutral?
If its only doing it when its in gear with your foot on the clutch it could just be a warning to put it off as it thinks you are trying to pull away.
Not had this myself as I dont rev cars at a standstill.

Spot on!

So I tested it today, and found that with handbrake on, car in neutral and foot not pressing clutch, I can rev it and there is no bong.

As soon as I push the clutch in (even leaving in neutral) it does the bong when revving, so I suspect you are correct that it is a warning because it thinks you're about to drive off.