Pelican Parts: Brake System Reset

Figure 1:
Master Cylinder Warning Switch

Question: I've just finished some brake work on my 914, and I've rebled the entire system, but the emergency brake lamp is still blinking. What's wrong?

Answer:
The 914 is equipped with a master cylinder that contains a brake warning switch built-in. this switch is activated when there is low pressure in the master cylinder. When the system senses a failure, the brake warning lamp in the cockpit flashes in the same manner as it does when the emergency brake is pulled. So far, I have seen two varieties of the master cylinder switch. One type indicates low pressure when the pedal is pushed down to the floor, and then resets when the pedal is lifted. The other variety indicates a pressure failure, and then remains locked until manually reset. To reset the switch, you need to removed the belly pan from underneath the rack and pinion. Then you need to locate the master cylinder, and remove the small plastic boot covering the electrical switch. The plastic boot covering the switch is shown in Figure 1. The switch has this tiny little plastic button that needs to be pushed in towards the master cylinder. Doing this should reset the system, and turn off the brake system warning lamp.
Sometimes these switches are known to fail. If your brake pressure seems fine, but your switch keeps getting triggered, you might want to replace the switch. Unfortunately, the cost to purchase a new switch is almost half the cost of a new master cylinder. Good used ones are available though, salvaged from worn-out master cylinders.

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Pelican Parts: 914 Questions & Answers...