TheSamba.com :: View topic - Very simple question.... maybe.. (dash button)

Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:13 am

I have a 70 bug.. I am redoing the wiring now but I have a question about one of the buttons... There's the wiper, lights, cig lighter, hazard knob, the two air knobs but then the last one is a small red circle. I've looked on the wiring diagrams but can't figure out what it's for.. I see where it's connected but I'm trying to decide if I need it or not.. I thought this might be a warning light for the e-brake but I'm not sure..

Please help.

Thanks

Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:35 am

The brake system has two circuits. When one fails this light should come on when you step on the brake. When one fails YOU WILL KNOW IT light or no light !

Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:41 am

Not a warning light for the e-brake, but it does involve the braking system.

Later bugs like your '70 (and my '69) are equipped with dual circuit braking systems, meaning that the front and rear brakes can operate independently from each other if one or the other were to fail.

The indicator should be a small red button that will light up when pushed to indicate that both front and rear brakes are operating properly. I don't know if its "necessary" to you, but its nice to know if all of the brakes are working.

Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:42 am

It is a brake warning light that senses low pressure from the two pressure switches on the master cylinder. On my '70, it is in the center of the dash up top. It will not come on unless you have unsafe brakes. They cover it in the owners manual.
Jim in NC

Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:50 am

Great!! Thanks for everyone's input.. And it does explain when i was looking at the master cylinder it has two places for hook ups... now comes the scary part.. only one is hooked up.. i'll try to post pics for everyone to see what i'm talkin about in the next day..

Again thanks to all..

Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:54 am

One of the responses you got was wrong. The Owners manual states:

The brake warning light monitors the brake systems. Should the indicator lamp light up while applying brakes, see your authorized VW dealer as soon as possible because one of the two brake systems may have failed. The brakes will still operate but a longer distance is required to bring the vehicle to a halt.

To check the brake warning light depress it after switching the ignition on. If the lamp does not light up, the bulb should be replaced.

End of Owners manual statement.

When I got my car, the light came on everytime I used the brakes, so I read the manual and found the problem to be a defective master cylinder.
Replaced the master cylinder and light has not come on since.

Jim in NC

Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:44 pm

Only one WHAT is hooked up, brake line or pressure switch? :?

Fri Jul 08, 2005 3:12 pm

Fat Chick, I have no problem with that!

Yes, we are having fun! I think he means the wires to the pressure switch.

Jim

Sat Jul 09, 2005 7:09 pm

I had that same question! Thanks for the help!

Sat Jul 09, 2005 9:50 pm

On later models all you have to do is turn the key and it lights up and goes off when you start the car. Its like that on my 72

Tue Jul 12, 2005 6:15 pm

http://www.openroad.ca/volkswebbin/viewtopic.php?id=80072