handbrake light

[whitewolf]

Ok well the bodies fitted and most things connected but I've noticed the handbrake light doesn't work.

I've looked over things but actually puzzled. where's the switch?

[Adrian@]

2 different versions ...early one is mounted as a sprung unit in front of the handbrake attached to the chassis, the late version is within the handbrake lever, both are earth out and early is linked to the PWDA and the late to a fluid level on the master cylinder.
Adrian@

[whitewolf]

Im believing that mine is built inside then as i never saw a switch infront of it.

i guess id better check the yellow wire that screws onto the side :/

[Adrian@]

IF you have pulled the handbrake mech beyond the centre of operation whilst there are no handbrake cables attached it is a bugger ever to get right again and you might need to replace it...if this is the case you will want to add the earlier version to the car as it is much simpler.
Adrian@

[whitewolf]

Tbh this does sound like what's happened.

when you say its a bugger to do, why is that? Im happy for advice but wouldn't mind having a go at it regardless. Nothing to loose now ... :-(

[Adrian@]

It is an (almost obsolete) copper lever arm contact switch housed in a plastic case (I have them in stock) and once bent the tang never lines with contact correctly and so does not work, it is fitted with a cut down screw and works perfectly well until it is bent it sort of self cleans in use. Mark it up for location, remove it, straighten it out and clean the contact with emery, replace it and cross fingers.
Adrian@

Edited by Adrian@ on Wednesday 22 February 13:05

[whitewolf]

Thank you very much Adrian I shall attempt soon.. disappointed as alot easier to do with the body off :-(

But no worry I won't let it beat me... i hope!!!

[Adrian@]

A picture

[whitewolf]

Thank you Adrian


I'll soon come back saying I've failed Hahaha

[dryden]

should the handbrake light double up as a reversing light telltale? Mine always has, untill the last cold snap, when I noticed that the reverse lights were stuck on, due to the dash warning light, I assumed the reverse switch had frozen, so, bloody cold I disconnected the rear revese lamp and carried on. I still have the dash light annoyingly on, so I pulled a wire off the switch. The light is still on, and if reconnected, so are the reverse lights!
Clive

[Adrian@]

Hi Clive, more details on your car required year, model etc...but VERY early M's had a switch and dash warning lamp for the reverse lights.
Adrian@

[dryden]

Hi Adrian, Mine is a 1977 Taimar white/blue band ex Simson/Waggit.
Clive.

[Adrian@]

Clive, there 'should' be no link between reverse and brake warning lamp on the dash, there is a common issue around the reverse light and brake warning lamp, in that the 3 wire come across the gearbox ty-wrapped together and with exhaust below it, which call lead to shorting out by rubbing against the gearbox.
Adrian@