I figure my first post should be something other than a question so here goes. I recently purchased an 02 XK8 convertible that had a few minor issues one of which was a parking brake that had been cut by a torch. I had the dealer fix the handbrake itself but they did not bother with the defective switch, $100 switch and $100 labor costs.

The switch is connected to the handbrake arm with one wire going to it, I cleaned that contact the best I could but it was still completely dead. I took the switch off by removing the 2 screws using a right angle screw driver. It seems there is a ground contact on the switch that is hidden until you remove the switch. This contact was very dirty and the switch bracket it uses as a ground to the actual handbrake, was rusty.

I removed bracket and cleaned off rust. I cleaned the switch contact once the switch bracket was removed. I also used electric contact cleaner spray where the plunger is and worked the it up and down to get fluid worked into the switch itself. Reinstalled on handbrake to complete the ground and it worked perfectly.

I can now justify spending $200 somewhere else but it won't have to be for new parking brake shoes since my light now works. Sorry no pics, wasn't confident I could fix it.

 

good work ..nice bit of cash saved

 

Nice one on the fix and thanks for sharing.

Now, why don't you get yourself into the new members section and make a post there, so we can officially welcome you to the site?