Park brake warning - comes on just after driving
 

Hey guys,

1997 4.2Q A8.

Ever since i've owned it (not that long) the park brake illumination light comes on, and the dash chimes after driving the car about 200m after turning the car on.

Park Brake works perfectly, Start up check ok and no issues, .... I did search but couldnt find anything that matches my problem

Ideas?

I'm guessing the microswitch on the handbrake lever is faulty or out of adjustment, assuming the D2 has one.

No, it won't be that. :tuttut:
My D2 had a faulty switch on the lever and all it does is control the warning light on the dash, no bongs or connection to anything else whatsoever.

It's a very simple circuit with a normally-closed pushbutton mechanical switch that is pressed open when the lever is lowered.
Bit of a pig to get at and replace so I (eventually) rerouted the wires on mine and fitted a sealed reed switch and magnet arrangement, as used in door/window open sensors in domestic alarms. Works fine after a bit of adjustment.

Sounds more like the brake pad wear warning. ;)

E-Brake / Park Brake shoes are still have a lot of meat on them, and still works very well. Havent checked the sensor, but I can do that.

Front Pads have previously set off the Wear sensor before, which is a different warning which comes up on the display

There is no sensor on the rear brakes, just the loop through the front (inside) pads to detect wear.
Have you done a VCDS scan, might be ABS/ESP related?

Have you checked the brake fluid level?

Fluid level is fine, .... havent scanned it (dont have software) .. hasnt really bothered me, but my business partner is using the car at the moment and its annoying him more than me.

What area are you in? Plenty of people here with VCDS. ;)

Australia :D

Happy to bring my cable over if you cover expenses +++