I searched the forums for a few hours yesterday and went through the Haynes manual last night...I still can't find the answer so I have to ask!

What is the brake check switch for? To check the brakes of course (hardy har har). It looks kinda like this: ((!))

On a MKIV:
- What is the "normal" function of the switch (keys in ignition, car started, press brake pedal and then press button, etc)?
- Should the switch lock into place when pressed?
- Is it necessary/useful? (If a driving light switch was put in it's place would I regret not having the brake button anymore)

 

Hi..In answer to your question this switch is to tell you that when brake fluid level is so low that you will have no brakes............IE press and switch illuminates level OK........press switch no light fluid level very low.............

 

So easy! Ah, that makes sense. Now if none of your switches light up...the brake one probably won't light up.

Thanks!

 

pages 10 and 15 describing the Brake failure warning light from manual for 850 & 1000 years 1976 to 1980

 

Thank you so much! I didn't see anything like that in the Haynes manual. I think there is something wrong with the wiring to the switch panel, nothing lights up, but the switches all work.

I'll have to play with it a little more when I get out of work.

 

There is only 2 wires th this switch and they are on top of master cylinder cap with a float ..........check spade connections as they may be corroded or broken........

 

A switch like that in my Mini would be so nice... My brakes have gone out twice because all the fluid came out...

 

Assuming good connections, check for corrosion inside the master cyl cap, where the two contacts are "made" (or not) based on the action of the float inside the cap. Short the two spade lug leads together and the light in the switch should light. I found that the innards of my cap were all corroded green. Not sure whether its Lucas or Lockeed, but a very cheesy assembly, btw.

 

I should have checked the forums this weekend...I was too busy washing & waxing the two minis. Thanks again for all of the input, I really appreciate it. (Ditto for the thread on the turn signals and where to look for the turn signal module)

I'll check the connections when I get home and let you know if it's just a crappy/corroded connection. My guess is it just needs some TLC since the switches all work, just not the lights behind them.

I wonder how hard it would be to retrofit a switch like that on yours?

 

It took mew a few days, but I pulled a few things apart today after work and I got the switch to work (light up) now -the cabled needed to be reseated. Thanks again for all the help!

Now I'm not sure if I need to mess with some more electrical...blah.

Slightly OT: things I fixed tonight...
- Rear defrost (I think there was a loose wire)
- Replaced front signal bulbs and cleaned the housing (yeay, I have a left front blinker now! )
- Replaced all fuses, and now I have a full set to keep in the boot in my emergency kit
- Replaced "flicker"/"blinker" thingy (went with an updated one)

Some of the original parts had been painted over, or looked like they had shorted (electrical brown marks, etc). I figured since I want this to be a pseudo daily driver, I'm trying to error on the side of caution.

Can anyone tell me if any other switches light up? Headlights, rear defrost, hazards? I had assumed that all of them lit up -so I figured a fuse was failing or some wiring was disconnected. When I got the brake light switch to come right on with little effort, I'm wondering if it's the only switch that has a light

 

probably need the new switch panel so i could fit the switch in...