Club 80-90 Forums

doesn't it indicate low fluid level too?

Isn't it a fault indicator for the dual circuit system? Presumably when the front or rear circuit fails, it trips the sensor for the warning light to let you know. Isn't the main purpose of the "handbrake warning light" to check that the bulb is working before you set off? A bit like the oil and ignition lights coming on before the engine starts, just so you know they're working in case you need them later.

personal opinion, and i could be wrong... but if she's found the wire to the handbrake and she's played with it and the light goes out, i reckon that wire needs to be connected. I've had the same happen to mine, the little tab on the lever somehow got bent back. Straightened it and the light went out when handbrake released. Obviously it does no harm to check fluid levels.
I've never had a light come on for low fluid, even when i changed the clutch master and drained the reservoir, so i think your clutch would go first before the red light came on as it's on the master cylinder isn't it?

It looks like there is a switch on the master cylinder cap:

http://www.vwheritage.com/vw_spares_Bra ... try_GB.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(Curiosity got the better of me, as I don't have the warning light on my early one)

If it has the warning light it shows low fluid and hand brake applied.
You can test your fluid sensor by depressing the small pin in the centre of the sender , (assuming the wires are connected and you have a sender Llyody)
To the op, the connection on the top of the res under the top of the dash locks binicle is or should be on a Two pin plastic plug .

Thanks so much for all your ideas. After some further investigations (and a little help from dad! )today i have found that the little switch which should be there is missing and so will order one, found one on ebay. The break fluid is fine and not low so will get that wire reconnected and that should be it, thanks again