Brake switch

Come here to ask for technical help and advice
Post Reply
User avatar
muddy
Posts: 235
Joined: 23rd September 2016 - 5:23pm
Location: Mansfield

Brake switch

Post by muddy » 15th November 2017 - 9:11pm

Sorry guys, I think the questions will be coming quick and fast. Tonight I've started checking the electrics.

I have 2 brake switches fitted to the master cylinder. Both are only 2 wire. Brake lights come on when pedal pressed. Nothing happens in the dash when I unplug them.

I cannot see any brake light symbol on the dash. The schematics for my year (1971) shows that there are 2, 3 wired brake switches which feed a Dual brake circuit warning light.

I'm guessing I don't have this warning light. Were there are lot of variations between years (and even during years). What's the point of 2 brake switches if they are only controlling the brake lights?
1971 VW Type 3 1600 TE Fastback. Body off Resto completed, now just bits and pieces and niff naff to do.
Volksworld Magazine featured car 2013
Instagram: @type3.fastback

User avatar
broady_6
Posts: 2904
Joined: 13th January 2009 - 8:55pm

Re: Brake switch

Post by broady_6 » 15th November 2017 - 9:51pm

I cant answer all of your questions, one option is that your car doesn't have the master cylinder it was made with.

you are both are only two wire, are they both connected?

I was unaware there was a brake warning light fitted to a type 3 of any year. Im sure the wiser will be along shortly to enlighten us. Do you have a photo of your dash?
The sultan of swing

User avatar
muddy
Posts: 235
Joined: 23rd September 2016 - 5:23pm
Location: Mansfield

Re: Brake switch

Post by muddy » 16th November 2017 - 9:00am

It’s got a CSP uprated master cylinder on now for my 4 disc set up. The original that came off looked old? But could have been replaced after build.

I’m not that bothered but was just wondering as the schematics showed a warning light
1971 VW Type 3 1600 TE Fastback. Body off Resto completed, now just bits and pieces and niff naff to do.
Volksworld Magazine featured car 2013
Instagram: @type3.fastback

User avatar
muddy
Posts: 235
Joined: 23rd September 2016 - 5:23pm
Location: Mansfield

Re: Brake switch

Post by muddy » 16th November 2017 - 9:01am

Oh yes both switches are connected and both are 2 wire
1971 VW Type 3 1600 TE Fastback. Body off Resto completed, now just bits and pieces and niff naff to do.
Volksworld Magazine featured car 2013
Instagram: @type3.fastback

User avatar
JSR-69
Posts: 264
Joined: 1st May 2006 - 12:31pm
Location: Sutton-on-Sea, Lincolnshire
Contact:

Re: Brake switch

Post by JSR-69 » 16th November 2017 - 5:15pm

If you have a dash warning light then you need 3-pin switches on both parts of the master cylinder. There's a wiring diagram in the Haynes manual which explains all.

Judi R
Judi R
1963 Beetle (awaiting restoration)
1972 Karmann Ghia (sold)
1972 412 Variant Auto
1974 412 5-door Variant project

User avatar
miketyp3
Posts: 1788
Joined: 19th October 2004 - 12:38pm
Location: Northampton

Re: Brake switch

Post by miketyp3 » 16th November 2017 - 6:52pm

As far as I know the brake warning lights were only fitted to US spec cars where they were mandatory.
If it is fitted its on the dash, below and between the speedometer and the clock.

Image
Mike

64 1500S Notchback - RHD Sunroof
66 1600TL Fastback - Pigalle Interior
67 T346 Karmann Ghia - RHD Sunroof

User avatar
muddy
Posts: 235
Joined: 23rd September 2016 - 5:23pm
Location: Mansfield

Re: Brake switch

Post by muddy » 16th November 2017 - 10:14pm

Thanks guts that clears it up. I have been looking at the Bentley manual, is this predominately for US cars?
1971 VW Type 3 1600 TE Fastback. Body off Resto completed, now just bits and pieces and niff naff to do.
Volksworld Magazine featured car 2013
Instagram: @type3.fastback

User avatar
Editor
Posts: 5515
Joined: 10th October 2004 - 8:52pm
Location: Pensford, Bristol
Contact:

Re: Brake switch

Post by Editor » 17th November 2017 - 1:02am

Yes, it's been produced with the cooperation of VW of America and uses many of the official VW manual photos. You'll notice the '68 on manual only deals with fuel Injection - not carbs.
Dave.

Post Reply