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Handbrake warning light.
MsD - 2/3/13 at 01:37 PM

Hopefully a nice simple question...

Is a handbrake warning light required for IVA?

I have a lowfluid level light already wired in.

Thanks, Mark.

coozer - 2/3/13 at 01:38 PM

Yes, its required, in that its a low fliud level warning and, needs a test switch.

The switch on the handbrake acts as the test switch.

[Edited on 2/3/13 by coozer]

MsD - 2/3/13 at 01:48 PM

Thanks. Ill get it wored in then!

I presumed they removed the brake M/C cap to simulate there being no fluid in there? and tested it that way?

Mark.

twybrow - 2/3/13 at 02:02 PM

No is the actual answer - you don't need a handbrake mounted switch, but you do need a way to test the lamp from the drivers seat - the standard way is to have it on the handbrake. You can mount a switch on your dashboard to test the low brake fluid light - it is not a handbrake warning light!

loggyboy - 2/3/13 at 02:13 PM

quote:
Originally posted by twybrow
No is the actual answer - you don't need a handbrake mounted switch, but you do need a way to test the lamp from the drivers seat - the standard way is to have it on the handbrake. You can mount a switch on your dashboard to test the low brake fluid light - it is not a handbrake warning light!


This.

twybrow - 2/3/13 at 02:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
quote:
Originally posted by twybrow
No is the actual answer - you don't need a handbrake mounted switch, but you do need a way to test the lamp from the drivers seat - the standard way is to have it on the handbrake. You can mount a switch on your dashboard to test the low brake fluid light - it is not a handbrake warning light!


This.


.... Is there more to come from you there Loggy?!

Peteff - 2/3/13 at 02:32 PM

Classic minis had a non latching switch on the dash to test the warning light. The switch does have to be labelled correctly. You can check if the handbrake is on by looking down at it

[Edited on 2/3/13 by Peteff]

MsD - 2/3/13 at 02:33 PM

Thanks for your help guys.

another job to add to the never ending list... at least its only a quick one!

Mark.

40inches - 2/3/13 at 03:30 PM

Having a starter button, I used the start position on the column ignition switch as the test switch
Although, reading the manual, it seems that if you can see the level through the side of the fluid tank, you may not need
a warning lamp. ISTBC

loggyboy - 2/3/13 at 04:18 PM

quote:
Originally posted by 40inches
Having a starter button, I used the start position on the column ignition switch as the test switch
Although, reading the manual, it seems that if you can see the level through the side of the fluid tank, you may not need
a warning lamp. ISTBC

there is a second part later on about pressure loss, which either needs a pressure warning light or a level warning light (based on if pressure drops, fluid level will drop)

renetom - 2/3/13 at 06:49 PM

Hi
We used a Savage illuminated momentary switch
& this is how we wired it, Iva man tested it & was happy.
The light comes on when you press the switch, when the handbrake is on
& when the fluid level drops.
Good luck
René


loggyboy - 2/3/13 at 06:55 PM

quote:
Originally posted by renetom
Hi
We used a Savage illuminated momentary switch
& this is how we wired it, Iva man tested it & was happy.
The light comes on when you press the switch, when the handbrake is on
& when the fluid level drops.
Good luck
René




Seems a little overkill, just a bulb alone would have sufficed with the handbrake acting as a switch.

renetom - 3/3/13 at 09:38 AM

Seems a little overkill, just a bulb alone would have sufficed with the handbrake acting as a switch.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fine if you don't need to go through IVA, (Handbrake is not a test switch)

But we wanted to do it correctly rather than a bodge.

theduck - 3/3/13 at 10:55 AM

Handbrake switch IS a test switch, says so in IVA manual iirc. Certainly never read of anyone having to fit a seperate switch!

The Black Flash - 4/3/13 at 11:31 AM

quote:
Originally posted by theduck
Handbrake switch IS a test switch, says so in IVA manual iirc. Certainly never read of anyone having to fit a seperate switch!


Yup, as someone already said above.
You need a switch to test the bulb. This can be either a dashboard switch, OR one on the handbrake. You don't need a separate "handbrake switch".

adithorp - 4/3/13 at 12:14 PM

quote:
Originally posted by renetom
Seems a little overkill, just a bulb alone would have sufficed with the handbrake acting as a switch.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fine if you don't need to go through IVA, (Handbrake is not a test switch)

But we wanted to do it correctly rather than a bodge.


As a general rule, if you do something the same way major manufactures do it, it'll pass IVA. Don't know any current tin-tops that don't use the handbrake switch as a test switch for fluid level.

iank - 4/3/13 at 12:28 PM

IVA manual doesn't require there to be a switch, as it refers only to a "test facility" for the warning lamp.

quote:
Hydraulic and Vacuum Systems 09D Required Standard 18

Where a warning lamp is provided as the only means of checking
the fluid level without opening the reservoir, it must be secure,
operational, visible during daylight and darkness from the driving
position, and fitted with a “test facility” that enables its operation to
be checked from the driving position without opening the reservoir.


Handbrake switch is fine, switch on the dashboard (like the old mini) is fine, you could also arrange an automatic test for one second after ignition is switched on.

Jimfin - 4/3/13 at 09:04 PM

I opted for the simple dashboard switch as - being a classic locost - the escort doner did not have a handbrake switch! So this was easier than b******* about with springs and stuff.

To answer another question raised by Mark, the method of testing at my IVA was to depress the test "button" which is built into the cap on top of the reservoirs in turn - the tester watched the light come on appropriately.