Date:         Thu, 26 Feb 1998 10:12:03 -0000
Reply-To:     "Woodcock, Frank" <f.woodcock@UNISON.CO.UK>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Woodcock, Frank" <f.woodcock@UNISON.CO.UK>
Subject:      Re: No Break Lights
Comments: To: Vanagon <vanagon@bigkitty.azaccess.com>
Content-Type: text/plain

 posted a request recently about break lights coming on only when my
foot was hard to the floor.

The problem was traced to the break light switch which is located on the
break master cylinder. The break master cylinder is below the white
plastic break fluid reservoir and the switch is at the bottom of the
cylinder.

This is accessed by removing the hood on the instrument panel . Lean
over the steering wheel and put your hands in the recesses near the
windscreen. Mine was very difficult to pull up and out due to the two
spring clips being gunged with dirt. A dab of grease (oil) makes it
easier next time. It is difficult to see from above so you may wish to
remove the steering wheel column cover to get a better look up at it up
from the floor.

While you are there check the break fluid levels and you will see the
switch on the underside of the master cylinder. It has two wires coming
out of it. Check that the spade connections are making a good contact.
The switch operates hydraulically by the break fluid under pressure.

If the switch has failed and a replacement difficult, then I reckon a
'fix' would be a spring attached to the break pedal to activate a pull
type micro-switch.

I have not done this myself but this method is used on some old cars - I
hope that someone has details of this as I would be interested in what
alternative switch to buy and how to fix it.