Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2017 07:12:13 -0700
Reply-To: Remy <remster2@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Remy <remster2@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: vanagon Digest - 8 Apr 2017 to 9 Apr 2017 (#2017-131)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Dashboard brake light Issue
This happened in my '85 Westy. Ended up the dashboard brake light was somehow associated with the A/C switch. The fuse kept blowing. Replaced the A/C switch and brake light issue solved. Good luck.
Remy
> On Apr 9, 2017, at 9:00 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:
>
> There are 12 messages totalling 466 lines in this issue.
>
> Topics of the day:
>
> 1. vanagon Digest - 6 Apr 2017 to 7 Apr 2017 (#2017-129)
> 2. Is a little bigger, better
> 3. Where's the other end of my broken ground strap?
> 4. Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER? (6)
> 5. SyncroFest (3)
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 04:21:31 +0000
> From: Keith Hughes <keithahughes@YAHOO.COM>
> Subject: Re: vanagon Digest - 6 Apr 2017 to 7 Apr 2017 (#2017-129)
>
> Remy,
>
> Just one caveat; I'm assuming you still have the stock setup? The only real=
> issue would be if you've done a conversion and are using an R-134A compres=
> sor (like I am). The original SD510 and SD710's are designed for R-12 and m=
> ineral oil. One thing I didn't mention - barrier hoses. If you do/did choo=
> se to go with R134A, you really need to replace all your rubber A/C hoses w=
> ith "barrier" hoses to keep the R134A from leaking out through the hose mat=
> erial, and you'd need to replace the TXV (at the evaporator) with one calib=
> rated for R134A. Not a lot of "win" in that situation if you're keeping st=
> ock components.
>
> BTW, I've had pretty good luck with Arizona Mobile Air (Ackits.com) if you'=
> re here in the Phx valley.
>
> Keith Hughes
> '86 Westy GenV (Marvin)
> ------------------------------
> =20
> Date:=C2=A0 =C2=A0 Sat, 8 Apr 2017
> 04:53:39 -0700
> From:=C2=A0 =C2=A0 Remy <remster2@YAHOO.COM>
> Subject: Re: vanagon Digest - 6 Apr
> 2017 to 7 Apr 2017 (#2017-129)
> =20
> Thanks Keith,=C2=A0 I'll have them use
> R 12.
> Remy
> 85 Westy GL (Chippy)
> =20
>> On Apr 7, 2017, at 9:00 PM,
> Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VAN=3D
> AGON.COM> wrote:
>> =
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 13:50:37 -0400
> From: George Gaudette <gcgaudette@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>
> Aaand on to my next issue:
>
> I have a '90 automatic Westy. The brake warning light in the instrument
> panel won't go out. Brake fluid is good (this van has the brake fluid
> level sensor cap). No change (no flicker or anything) regardless of
> whether I release the e-brake or press the foot pedal. I have not tried
> driving the van more than a few feet.
>
> What I really need to know short-term is if this could indicate a risk of
> brake failure / danger to drive -- I have plans that require the vehicle
> today.
>
> I've seen some suggestion that this is just a dummy light ("Dummy, release
> your e-brake!") that also illuminates for low fluid ("Dummy, top off your
> brake fluid!"), in which case it would seem to not indicate a safety issue
> given my fluid level.
>
> But I also read something that seems to say this can happen if there's an
> issue with pressure in the master cylinder, which sounds dangerous to me.
> (Disclaimer: I'm pretty ignorant on this topic.)
>
> The issue does not seem to me to be the little 1-wire button switch thing
> at the e-brake itself. I can get into the diagnostics of the other parts
> later, right now I'm really just asking about risk of brake failure so I
> can figure out if I need to cancel my plans.
>
> Best,
> George
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 14:04:18 -0400
> From: Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>
> Also, don't forget to make sure the little button switch that the hand brake
> is supposed to push in is engaging so as to turn of the brake like. It's at
> the base of your drivers side pedestal. You can see it get pushed in as
> you lower the hand brake.
>
> Just a thought,
>
> Steven
> 91 Westy
>
> On Sun, Apr 9, 2017 at 1:50 PM, George Gaudette <gcgaudette@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Aaand on to my next issue:
>>
>> I have a '90 automatic Westy. The brake warning light in the instrument
>> panel won't go out. Brake fluid is good (this van has the brake fluid
>> level sensor cap). No change (no flicker or anything) regardless of
>> whether I release the e-brake or press the foot pedal. I have not tried
>> driving the van more than a few feet.
>>
>> What I really need to know short-term is if this could indicate a risk of
>> brake failure / danger to drive -- I have plans that require the vehicle
>> today.
>>
>> I've seen some suggestion that this is just a dummy light ("Dummy, release
>> your e-brake!") that also illuminates for low fluid ("Dummy, top off your
>> brake fluid!"), in which case it would seem to not indicate a safety issue
>> given my fluid level.
>>
>> But I also read something that seems to say this can happen if there's an
>> issue with pressure in the master cylinder, which sounds dangerous to me.
>> (Disclaimer: I'm pretty ignorant on this topic.)
>>
>> The issue does not seem to me to be the little 1-wire button switch thing
>> at the e-brake itself. I can get into the diagnostics of the other parts
>> later, right now I'm really just asking about risk of brake failure so I
>> can figure out if I need to cancel my plans.
>>
>> Best,
>> George
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 14:09:31 -0400
> From: George Gaudette <gcgaudette@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>
> Hi Steven,
>
> Thanks. I disassembled that switch, turned on the van with it disassembled
> (green wire disconnected), made ground contact with that wire etc., no
> difference. The button goes up and down, makes and breaks contact OK.
>
> To be clear (for anyone reading), this is indeed the warning light that is
> activated by that switch -- I mean it's the light above the headlights
> on/off switch, immediately below the "Fasten seat belts" light.
>
> -George
>
>
>
> On Sun, Apr 9, 2017 at 2:04 PM, Steven Johnson <sjohnso2000@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Also, don't forget to make sure the little button switch that the hand
>> brake
>> is supposed to push in is engaging so as to turn of the brake like. It's
>> at
>> the base of your drivers side pedestal. You can see it get pushed in as
>> you lower the hand brake.
>>
>> Just a thought,
>>
>> Steven
>> 91 Westy
>>
>> On Sun, Apr 9, 2017 at 1:50 PM, George Gaudette <gcgaudette@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Aaand on to my next issue:
>>>
>>> I have a '90 automatic Westy. The brake warning light in the instrument
>>> panel won't go out. Brake fluid is good (this van has the brake fluid
>>> level sensor cap). No change (no flicker or anything) regardless of
>>> whether I release the e-brake or press the foot pedal. I have not tried
>>> driving the van more than a few feet.
>>>
>>> What I really need to know short-term is if this could indicate a risk of
>>> brake failure / danger to drive -- I have plans that require the vehicle
>>> today.
>>>
>>> I've seen some suggestion that this is just a dummy light ("Dummy, release
>>> your e-brake!") that also illuminates for low fluid ("Dummy, top off your
>>> brake fluid!"), in which case it would seem to not indicate a safety issue
>>> given my fluid level.
>>>
>>> But I also read something that seems to say this can happen if there's an
>>> issue with pressure in the master cylinder, which sounds dangerous to me.
>>> (Disclaimer: I'm pretty ignorant on this topic.)
>>>
>>> The issue does not seem to me to be the little 1-wire button switch thing
>>> at the e-brake itself. I can get into the diagnostics of the other parts
>>> later, right now I'm really just asking about risk of brake failure so I
>>> can figure out if I need to cancel my plans.
>>>
>>> Best,
>>> George
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 11:17:44 -0700
> From: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>
> unplug the connector on the top of the brake reservoir cap to see if the
> light goes out
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 22:37:12 +0000
> From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>
> In addition to the hand brake lever and low brake fluid level switches, thi=
> s indicator is also tied into the alternator warning system and the starter=
> circuit if you have cruise control. If a starter boost relay was added thi=
> s can also be a problem.
>
> Dennis,
> From my phone.
> ________________________________
> From: George Gaudette<mailto:gcgaudette@GMAIL.COM>
> Sent: =FD4/=FD9/=FD2017 1:50 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>
> Aaand on to my next issue:
>
> I have a '90 automatic Westy. The brake warning light in the instrument
> panel won't go out. Brake fluid is good (this van has the brake fluid
> level sensor cap). No change (no flicker or anything) regardless of
> whether I release the e-brake or press the foot pedal. I have not tried
> driving the van more than a few feet.
>
> What I really need to know short-term is if this could indicate a risk of
> brake failure / danger to drive -- I have plans that require the vehicle
> today.
>
> I've seen some suggestion that this is just a dummy light ("Dummy, release
> your e-brake!") that also illuminates for low fluid ("Dummy, top off your
> brake fluid!"), in which case it would seem to not indicate a safety issue
> given my fluid level.
>
> But I also read something that seems to say this can happen if there's an
> issue with pressure in the master cylinder, which sounds dangerous to me.
> (Disclaimer: I'm pretty ignorant on this topic.)
>
> The issue does not seem to me to be the little 1-wire button switch thing
> at the e-brake itself. I can get into the diagnostics of the other parts
> later, right now I'm really just asking about risk of brake failure so I
> can figure out if I need to cancel my plans.
>
> Best,
> George
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 20:37:34 -0400
> From: George Gaudette <gcgaudette@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>
> Thanks Dennis -- interesting. I did replace the starter yesterday
> (Saturday). I drove it once Saturday, and noticed this symptom this
> morning. I can't say for sure the brake warning light wasn't on when I
> drove it Saturday after the replacement.
>
> But -- no cruise control and no starter boost relay.
>
> -George
> '90 Westfalia automatic
>
>
> On Sun, Apr 9, 2017 at 6:37 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> In addition to the hand brake lever and low brake fluid level switches,
>> this indicator is also tied into the alternator warning system and the
>> starter circuit if you have cruise control. If a starter boost relay was
>> added this can also be a problem.
>>
>> Dennis,
>> From my phone.
>> ------------------------------
>> From: George Gaudette <gcgaudette@GMAIL.COM>
>> Sent: =E2=80=8E4/=E2=80=8E9/=E2=80=8E2017 1:50 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Brakes dashboard light -- DANGER?
>>
>> Aaand on to my next issue:
>>
>> I have a '90 automatic Westy. The brake warning light in the instrument
>> panel won't go out. Brake fluid is good (this van has the brake fluid
>> level sensor cap). No change (no flicker or anything) regardless of
>> whether I release the e-brake or press the foot pedal. I have not tried
>> driving the van more than a few feet.
>>
>> What I really need to know short-term is if this could indicate a risk of
>> brake failure / danger to drive -- I have plans that require the vehicle
>> today.
>>
>> I've seen some suggestion that this is just a dummy light ("Dummy, releas=
> e
>> your e-brake!") that also illuminates for low fluid ("Dummy, top off your
>> brake fluid!"), in which case it would seem to not indicate a safety issu=
> e
>> given my fluid level.
>>
>> But I also read something that seems to say this can happen if there's an
>> issue with pressure in the master cylinder, which sounds dangerous to me.
>> (Disclaimer: I'm pretty ignorant on this topic.)
>>
>> The issue does not seem to me to be the little 1-wire button switch thing
>> at the e-brake itself. I can get into the diagnostics of the other parts
>> later, right now I'm really just asking about risk of brake failure so I
>> can figure out if I need to cancel my plans.
>>
>> Best,
>> George
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 19:58:51 -0600
> From: Ken Heaps <wirejack@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: SyncroFest
>
> Is anyone going to SyncroFest? As long as the boss doesn't deny my time off
> request, I will be there.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 19:19:02 -0700
> From: Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: SyncroFest
>
> Yes for me to SyncroFest...
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2017 19:45:29 -0700
> From: Stacy Schneider <vwcrewman@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: SyncroFest
>
> I'll be there for sure.
>
> Stacy
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Apr 9, 2017, at 6:58 PM, Ken Heaps <wirejack@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>
>> Is anyone going to SyncroFest? As long as the boss doesn't deny my time off
>> request, I will be there.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> End of vanagon Digest - 8 Apr 2017 to 9 Apr 2017 (#2017-131)
> ************************************************************