Dash "Brake" Light

[RJF_70]

On my 1500 auto, the dash Brake light seems to work a bit wierd, so looking for an explanation how it should work? It flickers when turning ignition but doesn't stay on at all in any gear or pressing brake pedal. So can anybody tell me how or when it should be on?
Cheers Rich..

[Jon Tilson]

It depends. If you have a late car with a dual circuit master it should be off except when you have the handbrake on.

If its on when running its because the shuttle switch has activated due to a pressure imbalance between front and rear circuits.
This may require attention, or it may be because the shuttle switch was not reset after a brake overhaul. This is the mots common
scenario these days....

If you have a single master its only the handbrake that should make it come on. If it flickers when running its acting as an earth return so one of your dashboard earth points needs a clean up.

Jonners

[AlanH]

Looking at the age of your car I suspect that it has dual circuit braking.

Try putting a spacer in the shuttle connector (on the bulkhead).

If it goes out that is your problem.

Are there any instructions anywhere on balancing this up ?

[Flyfisherman]

Bias valve probably requires an overhaul / cleaning - see attached - viewtopic.php?f=19&t=22754&hilit=projec ... 90#p234448

pictures courtsey of Martin's project.

Paul

[RJF_70]

It's never on except when turning ignition! Never comes on with handbrake. I thought it may have been something to do with the auto box or something but judging by previous posts probably not. Think tomorrow I will try starting with handbrake off see if it lights up at all with ignition as a starting point!
Cheers Rich..

[Washdog]

I thought that the brake warning light on the flat dash models was only to indicate the loss of one side of the dual circuit system and didn't act additionally as a handbrake warning light as the HL models do.
Ian

[Howard81]

Easiest way to check where the problem lies is to disconnect the wires at the bias valve.

The bias valve warning light was always intermittent on my car so I've disconnected it.