nissan micra inspiration

[champ]

the handbrake warning light stays on once the handbreak is released and i am having problems with starting the car could this have something to do with the battery drain.

 

[yes2mud]

There will be a little switch somewhere around the handbrake mount,this is normally pushed in(off)when the h/b is released.In your case the switch may have come loose so the h/b misses it,or there is a wire off and earthing out.As this lamp will be out with ignition off,you need to look elsewhere for a possible battery drain.Likely culprits are boot lamps,but modern cars have so much stuff energised when parked,clock,alarm,immobiliser etc. that if the battery is not in top condition,they struggle to fire up the engine.When it's as cold as it is just now,the battery can lose 10% of it,s power overnight.