Warning lights not working

[ballin]

Hi,

Just a quick question, I have done extensive searching but am sure everyone else is just talking about the general illumination of the instrument cluster, rather than individual warning lights in their posts!

Basically I have some but not all warning lights, for example I have the 2wd/4wd lights, the battery light and the main beam light.
But I don't have the handbrake warning light, cruise control, OD and some more.

Are they individual bulbs for each warning?

It's been a real pain as my handbrake (or e-brake do you call it?) doesn't seem to be very strong at all, and quite often now I have driven off with it still engaged. How strong should this be? I find it will still creep forward when in D with the e-brake on unless I really push it HARD to the floor like all the way, then another click!!!

Any help appreciated

 

[calisoundmix]

yes each warning light has an individual bulb, as for the e-brake i stopped using it a few years ago partly because the sensor that told me if it was engaged or not stopped working and i drove a fair amount before realizing it. below is a link on installing white face gauges, while you aren't installing them it is the same procedure to take your instrument cluster out to replace the bulbs, they simply twist in and out from the back of the cluster.

Dead Link Removed

 

[ballin]

Many thanks, I thought that was the case but wanted to clarify


Is it okay to not use the e-brake? I've not had an auto before but feel uncomfortable relying on the transmission to hold the car on a hill or whatever, is this not causing premature wear somehow?

 

[calisoundmix]

i usually park in relatively flat (less than 10 degree) situations and have never had a problem in the past 5 years, occasionally i drive to san fransisco (which has absurd street angles ~45 degrees) and have never had a problem there either, but if i lived in sf or a very hilly area it would be worth it to replace your e-brake pads, it's just too much of a hassle for how little i use it.

 

[TheJackal]

Yes, there are individual bulbs for each warning light.

I'm recently getting into the habit of using the parking brake every time. It's just my thing, though, I don't know of anyone who has ever had an automatic jump out of park and roll away. Can't say the same for manuals, though... use that parking brake!
It's a good habit to get into, it's recommended.