Brake Light Flashing

[itsmagic]

I just installed a new set of rebuilt rear brake calipers on my 72 914 (One of the old ones had frozen). The system was properly bled and the brakes feel firm and work well. The emergency brake locks on and then releases when the tab's are tugged by the cables as it should. However, for
some reason the flashing emergency brake light above the fuel gauge on the dash is now on and won't turn off. I realize it can also indicate other problems, but all else (alternator etc) are fine. I read in George Husse's tip book that there is some type of reset process (button?) required if the master cylinder ever encounters low brake pressure. Is this why my light is flashing? If so, where precisely is the button located or else what do I need to do inorder to reset the light?
Thanks.
-Wayne

[smooth_eddy]

Wayne...

Did you check the switch directly below the hand brake lever? My 74 has a switch mounted below which causes the park brake indicator light to flash or turn off. Might be easier to pull the drivers seat if you need to remove the switch. Eddy

[itsmagic]

Eddy,
That was it!!! Thank you very much!
-Wayne

[smooth_eddy]

Right on Wayne...

Sometimes the fix is pretty easy. We are lucky to have great forums to ask questions at and get good quick answers. Take care and post a pic of your car sometime. Eddy

[SirAndy]

hmmm, handbrake is usually a *steady* red light and Master Cylinder is a *flashing* red light.
they both use the same light tho ...

MC reset button is on the MC, drivers side of things. simply push it in once after you bled the system and the pedal is back to normal ...

if it starts blinking while you're driving, your MC or other brake components are failing ...

can't hurt to check the MC anyways, even if the light is not on anymore ...
Andy

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Aaahndy, the later cars flash the light for either the handbrake or the master cylinder switch. I was not aware the 70's had a steady light for one circumstance.

Usually the cause of the blinky red light--especially after you bleed the brakes--is that you forgot to press the button on the master cylinder. Look for where the wires plug into the MC, there should be a button covered by a rubber nipple. (It's easier to see with the gravel guard/steering rack cover removed; but possible to see with the steering wheel turned all the way to the right.) Push the button in to reset the switch.

BTW, mine has come on several times while driving. It was completely unneccessary, because the brake pedal dropping straight to the floor was more than enough clue that I had a brake system problem. (Actually, I had completely-boiled fluid after a 20-minute track session, but that's another story!)

--DD

[SirAndy]

Originally posted by Dave at Pelican Parts
Aaahndy, the later cars flash the light for either the handbrake or the master cylinder switch. I was not aware the 70's had a steady light for one circumstance.

wouldn't be the first thing that is different between early and late cars ...

on my '70, handbrake light is steady and MC light is blinking ...
Andy

[itsmagic]

Andy and Dave,
Thanks. The initial problem was that the handbrake lever was aligned slightly off and was missing the button underneath which left the dash light on flashing. I fixed that. Afterwards , the light flashed when the emergency brake was on and was off with the brake off. Today I pushed the reset on the Master Cylinder and now, just as Andy said, the dash light is solid with the emergency brake on and off with it off.
Great information, thanks again!
-Wayne

[chrisjschaffer]

Hi. New to forum. Would anyone have a picture of where the reset button is? I've looked all over my MC and around the plug to no avail. I have the key/door warning buzzer and it turns off when I take off the emergency brake and I looked to make sure it is making contact with the e-brake switch, so suspecting the MC. I have a 72.

Thanks everyone for the assist!!