Electrical faults

Brake pedal spongy: Air in hydraulic system. System must be bled of air.

Pedal travel too far: Linings or pads worn, brakes need adjustment (if applicable), drums or discs scored, master cylinder or wheel cylinders defective, system needs bleeding. Rectify as necessary.

Loss of brake pressure: Fluid leak, air in system, leak in master or wheel cylinders, brake servo not operating (vacuum hose disconnected from inlet manifold). Place vehicle on dry ground and depress brake pedal. Check where fluid runs out and rectify as necessary.

Brakes binding: Incorrect brake fluid (boiling), weak shoe return springs, brakes adjusted improperly (if applicable), piston in caliper of wheel cylinder seized, push rod play on master cylinder insufficient (compensation port obstructed), handbrake adjusted too tightly. Rectify as necessary. Swelling of cylinder cups through use of incorrect brake fluid could be another reason.

Handbrake ineffective: Brake shoe linings worn (or pads), linings contaminated, operating lever on brake shoe seized, brake shoes or handbrake need adjustment. Rectify as necessary.

Excessive pedal pressure required: Brake shoe linings or pads worn, linings or pads contaminated, brake servo vacuum hose disconnected from manifold, master or wheel cylinders seized. Rectify as necessary.

Brakes squealing: Brake shoe linings or pads worn so far that metal is grinding against drum or disc. Inside of drum is full of lining dust. Remove and replace, or clean out the drum(s).

ELECTRICAL FAULTS

Starter motor failure: 2 to 5, 8, 9

No starter motor drive: 1 to 3, 5 to 7

Slow cranking speed: 1 to 3

Charge warning light remains on: 3, 10, 12

Charge warning light does not come on: 2, 3, 9, 11, 13

Headlamp failure: 2, 3, 11, 13, 14

Battery needs frequent topping-up: 11

Direction indicators not working properly: 2, 3, 9, 13, 14

Battery frequently discharged: 3, 10, 11, 12

Causes and Remedies

1. Tight engine. Check and rectify.
2. Battery discharged or defective. Re-charge battery or replace if older than