I have somehow caused a problem with my hand brake such that when I pull up on it, even one "click" it blows the fuse that controls my tach, tach group readouts, and then causes a low level orange lighting to remain on at the dash even though the key is out and all lights off. As long as I don't touch the e-brake, a new fuse works fine. It seems like a short somewhere, but wondering if anyone has had similar experience(s). I am dreading the very long trip to the dealer and submitting to a diagnostic process of indeterminate length while the clock runs at $120/hr. Any help out there? Many thanks.

 

If no one responsed the only suggestion I have is call your dealer and see if they have ever heard of an issue like this. Could be something they have experienced and might be able to tell you how to fix it.

 

Mneeme,
Thanks, looks like this isn't something that is ringing any bells. I guess I'll probably have to go the dealer route though they are 75 miles away.

 

If this was an older car, I would guess the brake light bulb in the dash is loose and touching something so that every time it lights up it shorts and blows the fuse.

 

As far as I remember all the bulbs in the dash are soldered LED's. Don't quote me on that though. Going off my car (since my interior is gone)...there is a grounding strap I believe rith next to the ABS module in the center console..maybe that is loose? It's right next to the handbrake.....

 

I had an old car that had a wire that ran near the brake and powered a light in the back seat. Eventually the wire came loose and was pinched when I would pull up on the brake and short the circuit.

Is there any wires near the base/back of the brake?