Date:         Sat, 24 Apr 2021 22:10:42 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Electrical gremlin dash brake light
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CY4PR0801MB3731B72709873102BDF8DE17A0439@CY4PR0801MB3731.namprd08.prod.outlook.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi Dennis,

I thought I was kidding about the horn work affecting the brake light but it sounds just possible. 

I tried to use help over my phone camera to identify wire colors but that is not completely reliable. 

Only thing I could have possibly done is put the ground on the hot side of relay and the hot on ground Side.  Then the wires going to horn could be reversed. 
I’m tempted to start investigation tomorrow by undoing those wires and seeing if the dash brake light works normally. 

And, I was so proud of that loud horn.

Dennis, do I have a float in my brake reservoir that would make the light come on if low?  That would be good to know and I could also check fluid level if that is a reason the light can come on. 


Other interesting clue is that when van in park and hand brake raised the light does not come on.

Eric Caron 
Back under the van hoping camera shows wire colors a little better this time.

Eric Caron 
85 GL auto 


> On Apr 24, 2021, at 8:41 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> The brake lights, reverse lights, and horn share a common fuse. The reverse light switch is in the shifter and it uses the same contact swiper as the starter neutral, park safety. I forgot where the brake warning light gets its power but it is activated either by a float switch in the brake fluid reservoir cap or the handbrake lever. The handbrake lever basically uses a door light switch and when lifted the switch completes a path to ground. 
> 
> I don’t know how that relay kit you used is designed to be wired but if you have a cross power connection or ground fault you could back feed something when in reverse through the reverse light circuit. Later vans especially with cruise control add some more magic with the stater and brake lights. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Saturday, April 24, 2021 5:35 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Electrical gremlin dash brake light
> 
> Oops that was supposed to say, Don’t tell me my recent horn relay install caused this!
> 
> I’ve done nothing to the brakes!
> 
> ERic Caron 
> 
> 
>> On Apr 24, 2021, at 5:31 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi folks, 
>> We noticed a unusual electrical issue today.  I’m hoping folks can give me some direction on how to track this down.
>> 
>> When van is in park all is normal on the dash.
>> 
>> When I pull up on the emergency brake no light shows up on the dash. 

>> 
>> Then with brake off we shift the van into revers, neutral, or drive and the brake light on the dash lights up and stays on.
>> 
>> I’m assuming the light is for notifying that the emergency brake is on? 
>> 
>> Also guessing there is no sensor for low brake fluid.
>> 
>> This is a 85 Vanagon but we recently had the later emergency brake handle installed.
>> 
>> Where might I start to trouble shoot or with skilled VW helper where might I suggest we start to look.
>> 
>> And, don’t tell me my brake relay install did this!
>> 
>> Eric Caron 
>> 85 GL Auto