Brake Fail Warning light

[Zlinster]

I'm stumped.

I have a brake Fail Warning lamp in my S4 SE.

What does it indicate? How is it triggered? I can't work out out from the manual. A senior moment, probably.

Thanks.

[69S4]

I don't seem to have one of those on my S4SE? Is mine missing or is yours an extra? .

[Zlinster]

Original, I'm pretty sure.

[Zlinster]

I just checked the parts manual. Looks like some cars had a brake fluid level warning float. My Jag mark 2 has that setup.

I think this explains the mystery.

[USA64]

Yes, it warns of low brake fluid. I believe the sensor part which goes on top of the reservoir is available. It is the part it screws on to (which looks like a mushroom can) that is unobtainium.

[Elan45]

On my Super Safety, there is a micro switch on the floor, under the carpet which completes the circuit when the pedal pushes down on it and the light comes on, indicating that the brakes have failed.

I found this while siting at a stop light when I stretched my leg under the pedals and all of the sudden, it appeared my brakes "had failed"

Roger

[smo17003]

On my Super Safety, there is a micro switch on the floor, under the carpet which completes the circuit when the pedal pushes down on it and the light comes on, indicating that the brakes have failed.

I found this while siting at a stop light when I stretched my leg under the pedals and all of the sudden, it appeared my brakes "had failed"

Roger

I'm sorry Roger, but this has made me laugh out loud
With the switch in that location wouldn't the first indication that your brakes have failed be "Sh!t, my brakes have failed!!!"

Mike

[nmauduit]

on my '68 s4se (Fed) the red brake fail light can be turned on by 2 means: un temporary manual switch under the dash to make sure that the bulb is operational, and a level switch on the brake master cylinder reservoir that goes on when the level is low.
Brake wise there is also a yellow light next to the red one that goes on when the handbrake (emergency brake... ) is on - quite useful so save these small pads

[john.p.clegg]

Yes, it warns of low brake fluid. I believe the sensor part which goes on top of the reservoir is available. It is the part it screws on to (which looks like a mushroom can) that is unobtainium.

Maybe...

http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/GRK6009.aspx

John

[john.p.clegg]

https://lotuselan.net/cgi-bin/search/se ... query=sovy

John

[elanner]

There's a long thread that might help here:

viewtopic.php?f=42&t=19064

I was fairly new to this forum when I added my 2c to the thread, describing how I made my own fluid level sensor (being unable to find a Sovy switch). Although a hack it has been perfectly reliable and is still in use today. It's certainly better than nothing......

Nick

[pharriso]

on my '68 s4se (Fed) the red brake fail light can be turned on by 2 means: un temporary manual switch under the dash to make sure that the bulb is operational, and a level switch on the brake master cylinder reservoir that goes on when the level is low.
Brake wise there is also a yellow light next to the red one that goes on when the handbrake (emergency brake... ) is on - quite useful so save these small pads

This is correct. As Nick has suggested, do a search on SOVY...

[JonB]

Yes, it warns of low brake fluid. I believe the sensor part which goes on top of the reservoir is available. It is the part it screws on to (which looks like a mushroom can) that is unobtainium.

Maybe...

http://www.minispares.com/product/Classic/GRK6009.aspx

John

John, do you know if it fits the Girling reservoir on our cars?

[john.p.clegg]

I don't know for sure but if you give them a call and discuss, it's surely worth a punt...

..or take a trip...

Unit 12&13
Cranbourne Industrial Estate
Cranbourne Rd
Potters Bar
Hertfordshire
EN6 3JN

John