A south American fan needs help

[Jade]

Well, hi fellas, I'm from COLOMBIA South America, I have a black 131 1600, I love it an I keep trying to mantain my car as better as I can.... I have a red light on my instruments panel, It is on the lower right corner and looks like this ((!))... In my other car it means that a stop light is broken or that the hand brake is on, but I love to know exactly what does it mean on my 131.... can somebody help me? oh... by the way !!! beautiful club you guys got over there... congrats!!!!!!!

[Thotos]

On European versions it means either the handbrake is on or the brake fluid is low. On American export models it might also indicate worn brake pads.

[FIATCAN]

Hello Jade, welcome to the site, I hope in your case its not a faulty hand brake or that car might just end up taking a dip

I would have to agree with Theo, either the handbrake switch or low fluid.

Thanks
FIATCAN

[BKFIAT]

Hello jade, nice looking 131 .As a caution,make sure to check all brake pipes and rear cylinders(if fitted).Cylinders eventually leak as do pipes over the course of time and if the fluid reservoir continues to require regular top ups,this means fluid is leaking somewhere.With reservoir full to level indicator and handbrake lever in down(off) position,the red light should not appear on dash. If it continues to light up check the switch under the handbrake lever for current.You may also examine the screw cap fitted to the fluid reservoir which should have two wires across the centre of the cap,all of which should be properly secured and free of leaks.Also examine the brake callipers,if they are fitted with brake wear sensors ,disconnect and clean with wd40 or carb cleaner and reconnect securely.Best of luck and hope you get it sorted.

[BKFIAT]

hello again, one thing i forgot to mention,check the brake light switch ,its located on top of the brake pedal.if this is not working it may light your dash light as a warning that you have no brake lights.

[Jade]

THANK U SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP GUYS, ITS BEEN REALLY NICE TO HAVE A HAND FROM ENTUSIAST OVERSEAS.... AGAIN... YOU HAVE LOVELY CARS AND NICE PEOPLE OVER THERE.... THANK U VERY MUCH.... IT WAS THE HANDBREAK.... NOW MY CAR IS WORKING AS GOOD AS ITS BEEN FOR 20 YEARS......

[mirafioriman]

Glad people could be of help Jade. We are fast becoming an international 'club' with members from all over the world. I am sure we would all like to find out some more about your car, see some more pictures and find out a little about how many Fiat 131's there are in Columbia!

[Jade]

Well, Ill send you photos... there are a lot of 131's here but most of them in a really bad condition, no clubs, I keep mine nice cause it was my first car.... but Unfortunatly... I had an accident on friday... Big truck erased the tail of my 131... so I have to take it to be fixed... I hope the guy can make it look nice after the crash...  Ill post pics of the bad lookin taiul of my 131 so you can see if the rehabilitation works

[Thotos]

Oh dear!  Not nice at all. But as long as you are OK, the car can always be fixed. Keep us posted.