Hey all. I have become acquainted since a week ago with my "brake failure light".
The wheels are all slushed on ye old 245, and I assume that this
condition and a frozen tailgate is creating an imbalance that shows
as a condition that turns on the light. Anyone had this?
Brakes work fine by the way, fluid level is unchanged.
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Stef -- 1981 wagon B21A SU M46 318000km chrome roofrack

As mentioned below, the brake faiure light is triggered when there is a difference in fluid pressure between the two dual-diagonal brake systems.

So either there really is a pressure difference, or the switch is lying. With a 1981 anything, My bet would be 50/50 either way.

Find the brake distribution block. It is at the bottom end of the two lines that come out of the master cylinder. That block looks a little like an octopus, having eight brake lines and one harness attached.

Look for signs of leaking. WHen they leak it often looks like the leak is at the wiring harness attachment. NOT.

Inside the block is a piston, each end in one of the two brake circuits. If the pressure in one circuit is less than in the other the piston moves and the light comes on.

Things that cause pressures to differ are many. Another thread. Check for that leak.

Good Luck,

Bob

:>)
--
240s: 1986 244GL, 1988 244GL, and 5 others.

Thanks. I didn't know that's what it was called. There is no leak there.

There is a wire terminal with no wire (hasn't ever been one), but there is no leak, reservoir is fine too.

Weird that there is no wire, but the light is on...

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Stef -- 1981 wagon B21A SU M46 318000km chrome roofrack

look for wire theirs your problum

The brake failure light shows an imbalance between the dual-diagonal set-up. You may be losing fliud on one side. Are your reservoir levels okay?
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

I have an 89 244, yesterday my driveway was a bit drifted over, and I got the girl a little stuck, so as I went between reverse and 1st, it stalled out and got the brake failure light come on. Like you said though the brakes worked fine. I think your analysis is right, but better get a 2nd opinion, Im new to this.

Roll On:)

Dave

Though it's a good idea to check things out to make sure everything is okay, your brake failure light is probably illuminating because of something having to do with it being cold out. My light started coming on over the summer, very dimly lit and for no apparent reason. We took it to the repair shop and the guys there couldn't even get it to come on, and they made sure everything was okay otherwise. It still lights up every now and then, but my brakes work fine.
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'89 244 GL -- 108,199 miles (see profile for info on car)

"it stalled out and got the brake failure light come on. "
If you stalled out, your (idiot) lights should come on as your key is in position II (self-check). If the alt light didn't come on with the brake failure, oil etc. your system may not be charging when the engine is running.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

Hi Trev29,

Your right now that you mention it, all the idiot lights came on. Duh, can't believe I didn't realize that at the time.

Good heads up.

Roll On

Dave