| I have a 92 roadster (no handbook!!) , which I was driving on Sunday when the handbrake warning light came on, and has since stayed on. As I don't have a clue what this is indicative of. Could someone please let me know what the problem might be. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the brakes as yet. (11/00) |
| Probably worn pads, but possibly low fluid. (11/00) |
| Worn brake pads being "held" further out in the caliper than normal, less fluid in the master cylinder as a result, causes warning light to come on. That's my offer anyway... (11/00) |
| No low pad warning circuit on imports (there is on UK cars). (11/00) |
| Are you sure there is a low pad warning on UK cars? When from? There certainly is no circuitry shown in the original (UK) workshop manual. And the pads have no provision for contacts. (AFAIR) The only way the brake warning light illuminates is hand brake on (via a switch) and low brake fluid (level switch in master cylinder) Mazda brake pads have squealers (to warn of low pads) - these can be transferred to new pads if they're not worn - but they wear PDQ. (11/00) |
| Are the squealers the spring clips that fit on the bottom edge of the pads? I swapped mine onto the new pads when I did the swap but couldn't see a use for them. Looked like the pads would fit just as well without them. I thought they might be for that, but they looked like they would squeal with about 3mm of pad left which is before the recommended "swap your pads" thickness. (11/00) |
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Are the squealers the spring clips that fit on the bottom edge of the pads? Yep. (11/00) |
| Well, the reason why I ended up going around Kirkistown on no pads and wearing out me discs as well...The previous week, the car went in for a service. Mechanic said new front pads were needed, and the originals were a "bit low" (but he didn't say how low). He couldn't get import pads on the day, as only UK ones were available, which "had an electric contact". Checking later with they guy who got me Apec pads, yes indeed, there are 2 different front pads listed for 1.6 MX5s/Roadsters, depending on whether its a UK car or not.. Oh, the front pads never gave a hint of squealing, just started rumbling after 3 laps (but still seemed to stop.......) (11/00) |
| So I presume the ones in the Moss catalog are for UK 5's, and therefore not suitable for imports. http://www.mossint.co.uk/MX5/pdfs/Parts%20&%20Maintenance.pdf (11/00) |
| And vice versa the Mintex pads - they certainly have no "electric contacts"! Has anyone actually seen these electric contacts - and connected them up? (11/00) |
| I've had this before on other cars. As mentioned below, it is best check for low fluid or worn pads, but if it is staying on constantly I'd be more inclined to check your handbrake warning switch. There is a switch near the base of the handbrake that works roughly the same as your interior light switches on the door. In that when your handbrake is off/down the button is depressed and kills the circuit. If this has become loose the button will not be getting pressed and the brake warning light will be on. I've not looked around this area on the 5 yet, so I'm not sure if this is easy to see or not. It usually is though... (11/00) |