I had this happen once. Turns out I had something small stuck up under the
brake handle, and I couldn’t see it till I took the shroud off.  You have
probably done this, but thought I would mention it!

Julianna
1991 VW Vanagon Westfalia (Ophelia)

On Thu, Jun 14, 2018 at 1:15 PM vw_van_fan_Mark <madvws@cox.net> wrote:

> The problem is likely up front, perhaps with either the Westy fridge
> relay and/or a GoWesty style aux battery relay. If his van has either of
> those then a simple wiring change is probably needed. Those relays are
> often installed with their ground connection wired to circuit #50 of the
> starter solenoid. This works fine with a stock starter setup but can
> conflict when the starter setup is modified. So moving 1 wire up front
> will likely fix it in this case. Let me know if this applies to his van
> and I can elaborate.
>
> Mark
>
>
> OlRivrRat wrote:
> >         On behalf of a friend who is a fairly new Syncro Owner & 1st
> time Vanagon Owner ~
> >
> >> I recently had starter trouble and changed it to a TDI unit with
> adapter plate. while I was at it I put a starter relay in. Starts great,
> seams to run fine. FYI That was a pain in he ass to get in there ... small
> spaces. among other problems I had to butcher the plastic servo for the
> diff lock to get it to fit with the new starter.
> >>
> >> However, now my brake warning is half on. it is dim, less bright then
> if I turn it on for real with the parking brake. It is only on when the
> engine is running. If the key is in the on position, but the engine not
> started the light works correctly.
> >>
> >> - I have thoroughly tested the brake fluid level switch (and then
> disconnected it)
> >> - I have thoroughly tested the parking break switch
> >> - Starter and Engine seam to be working great
> >>
> >> study of the bentley Manuel as well as probing with my multimeter I
> have found that the brake warning module is connected to:
> >> 1) Brown/yellow: brake fluid sense switch and parking brake switch
> (same pin) . 2.5V. 0V when parking brake is on.
> >> 2) Red/Black: #50 starter circuit. 0V when not started, 2.5V when
> started and light is half-on. 12V when starting.
> >> 3) Black: 12V
> >> 4) Brown: GND
> >> 5) Yellow/Red: some seat belt stuff I have not looked at closely.
> >>
> >> I also noted that #50 goes to starter, digifant, idle-control, brake
> warning light module, and ignition switch.
> >>
> >> from the forums I found the following suggestions
> >> 1) bad circuit #50 connection to starter::: I took everything apart and
> tightened and cleaned and redid both this and the alternator connection at
> the starter.
> >> 2) bad ignition switch :::: I had a new spare. no change
> >> 3) brake light switch error (master cylinder)::: on this year, these
> are 2-pole switches and there is no connection to the brake warning light.
> it goes only to the brake lights.
> >> 4) bad grounds ::: well I tried everything I could think of, including
> using jumper cables to add extra grounding to the motor near the alternator
> and near the digifant. no change
> >>
> >> So back to the warning module in the dash board... I decided to probe
> the voltages there. Is 2.5V the correct voltage for signal #50 when the
> engine is running ?
> >
>
-- 
Julianna 1990 VW Vanagon Westfalia with Tiico Conversion (The Rastafalia)
1988 VW Vanagon (James) 1985 VW Vanagon Weekender (as yet unnamed) 1991 VW
Vanagon Westfalia automatic (as yet unnamed) Yes, I bought two more vans!