handbrake dash light/flasher

[Keithver]

Hi. I'm hoping that there is someone that can help me.
My handbrake light on the dash is always on when the ignition is on. I would say it is half as bright as the other dash lights

I'm pretty sure that handbrake switch was working when I installed it into the car (on and off)
When I connect the brake fluid connectors on the reservoir together, I presume the light is meant to flash, showing low brake fluid. There is no flashing
I have removed the brake flasher unit and tested it. It only flashes every 5 seconds. Is this correct.
Why does the dash light remain illuminated at 50% brightness all the time no matter the position of the handbrake

[nistri]

When the handbrake lever is pulled up, it should flash at low speed (every few secs). If it is always on, it should indicate that somewhere the circuit that is always connected to + is touching ground. Remove the flasher (under the dash), connect the wires and see if the light is on. If it is, carefully check all connections for a wiring fault including the switch near the lever.

[Neil]

It could be the handbrake flasher relay that has failed after checking as suggested, mine didn't flash for 20 years the light stayed on with the hand brake applied, I had to replace it with a second hand one in the end from a X1/9 works perfectly now.

[HBG]

Interesting. My handbrake light flashes with the hand brake on which I thought was incorrect. If it is correct, how and when does this light show low brake fluid?

[nistri]

The red light for low brake fluid level should come one (without flashing) when the plastic float inside the master cilinder drops down to touch the electrical contacts. This assumes that the contacts are in good shape and that the wires and Lucar connectors on the reservoir are not corroded. Often thes etwo assumptions are not met.

[gtx60]

I was totally unaware of the handbrake light flashing when engaged, I certainly don’t think mine ever has. Do you have an exact location or picture of the flasher unit so I can check. Much appreciated. Will also check the contacts on the master cylinder as you suggest.

[nistri]

The flasher unit is a large element with an alloy casing usually mounted on a bracket under the dash near the steering column (at least on LHD cars). When operating, it is easy to feel (with one hand over it) the intermittent clicking of the filaments inside. Sorry, I have no picture of it.

[nistri]

A quick note just to avoid confusion: originally there are two flasher units, one for the direction indicators, the other one for the hand brake. Of course, after more than 50 years, things might have been modified.

[Keithver]

When the handbrake lever is pulled up, it should flash at low speed (every few secs). If it is always on, it should indicate that somewhere the circuit that is always connected to + is touching ground. Remove the flasher (under the dash), connect the wires and see if the light is on. If it is, carefully check all connections for a wiring fault including the switch near the lever.

Hi Andrea are you talking about the large flasher unit or the small one. My car has both. I think the large one is for the indicators (which work) and the small one for the hand brake. I disconnected these 3 wires from the small unit and connected them with no result.
The photo shows the small unit circled on the left, above the choke lever and the large one on the right. It is the small unit that I tested and got a flash every 5 seconds

[Neil]

The hand brake flasher unit is the small metal one.

[nistri]

I confirm that the small unit is for the handbrake flashing. I don't know what you mean by "no result". If the red light remains permanently on, it suggests that the switch (or a wire) is touching ground.

[Keithver]

Andrea, I guess that you meant one should connect the 2 leads on the main flasher. Sorry, I tried the small one

I did notice that with the handbrake released. If i put my weight onto it (press it down further), the light then goes out. I'll drop the lever from below to look at the switch properly
I don't have time at the moment but as soon as things settle down. Ill look properly

the car is going back to the body shop next week to give the paint a final polish now that it has settled. so that's another week before I can do anything
 
Once again thanks for all the tips, advice and info - very helpful.

[Keithver]

I removed the handbrake lever from below and discovered that the series 1 brass connector strip (switch) was not adjusted as finely as it could be. After correcting that and replacing the small flasher unit, I now have a handbrake light which goes off with the brake released and flashes when it is on.
While I was at it I replaced the instrument dimmer which was broken. I think this is the only new genuine Lancia part that I have fitted to the car

[nistri]

Very good news: the problem was with the lever switch as suspected. Thanks for the update.

[HF_Dave]

My handbrake light flashed as well , I sorted it out by replacing the switch below the handbrake .  Someone before me had disconnected the wire ans it was earthing to the body , so it only came on occasionally . I replaced the switch with one off a Beta I had and it's worked for the past ten years wit out problem .