OK, This pertains to my '79 Westy, but could pertain to any AC VW.
 
Here are a few confusing scenarios (to the best of my recollection):

1.  With the ignition off, headlights off...pressing of the brake pedal results in the dash lights coming on along with the parking lights.  Brake lights come on bright, but no warning lamp.

2.  With the ignition off, headights on...pressing of the brake pedal results in the dash lights coming on along with the parking lights, and also the brake warning lamp comes on with the activation of the headlights, but goes off when brake is depressed.

3.  With the ignition on, headlights off...pressing of brake results in brake lights coming on along with the parking lights, and the brake warning light going off with the activation of the brake pedal.

4.  With the igntion on, headlights on...brake warning lamp is on, but goes off when brakes are depressed.  Also, brake lights do not brighten...it's like they are already at their brightest just by turning on the headlights.

I checked both brake switches on the master cylinder and they both seem to be working (took the front one off, turned on ignition, pressed the brake pedal and the brake warning light did not come on, same result with the rear switch.)

What concerns me it that the brake warning lamp does not come on when the brakes are pressed and with the engine running, but comes ON when the brakes are NOT pressed.  Someone suggested bleeding the master cylinder.  These later model buses also have a servo unit to assist the master cylinder in it's function.  Could this be suspect?

I think that the brake pedal is "harder" to push than normal.  I will bleed all brake cylinders and see what happens.  Is anyone aware if the dashboard and parking lights are somehow connected with the brake warning lamp and also come on when there is a problem with the brakes?  
I want to address this issue before D.O.W. campout because coming back down Lookout Mtn. would be a lot less hairy if I trusted my brakes.
 
By the way, I HATE DOING BRAKE JOBS!!!!  :angry:



Edited By Gobusgo on 1043375094

After looking again, NOTHING happens when the ignition is off...and I believe that is what is supposed to happen.  All that other stuff happens when the ignition is ON.

I was half asleep when I posted last night... :cool:

I'm going to check again when the garage warms up (kerosene heater is on full blast!)

Been staring at the wiring diagram for quite some time tonight...found a ground wire from the E-brake warning switch whose connection needed replacing.  Did that, but no change.

And upon even closer inspection, something IS happening with the ignition OFF and with the headlights switched ON. The EGR, Battery and Oil lights, the instrument panel light, the front parking lights,the brake lights and the fuel pump (of all things!) all come on when the brake is depressed.

It's making me :p

Good job!  See you on the mountain this weekend!