Troubleshooting my electrical issues., My first problem was blinking red light on the dash for brakes Options

[914_teener]

You rule each thing out.

You test input and out put voltage first with a meter.

You will need a wiring diagram and an analogue or digital voltmeter.

Then you test the wiring output.

Then you test the device.

It is a process of elimination....like a logic diagram or test.

To answer your question directly:

By testing it.

[vin man]

Ruled out headlight switch and brake light switch.

Going to pull the gauge cluster back out tomorrow and see if something there is shorting out.

[vin man]

ok, issues 3 (and 4) resolved.

After resolving Issue 2 - the flashing brake light, I did 2 things. I replaced the headlight relay and then put everything back together and reinstalled the upholstery.

I had replaced the original 4 post headlight relay with a 5 post relay. Headlight relay post
I had found some info on the Samba website that said that I should just run a hot wire to post 30, and therefore not have to run a jumper between 30 and 56. This was not the case. A JUMPER was REQUIRED. I removed the constant power to 30, put the jumper in place, and the headlights were no longer always powered regardless of the key position.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/images.thesamba.com-11380-1487356047.1.jpg)

Issue number 3 was that my brake lights were always on and, when I depressed brake pedal, I was also getting some lights on the dash and power to the coil.

I caused this problem when reinstalling the interior. I had screwed the plastic housing that holds the armrest through the floor. When I did so, I went right through the main power wire, nicked the brake light wire, and possibly exposed a couple others as well.

I did a lot of troubleshooting and have a much better appreciation of the electrical system and also much more comfortable reading those wiring diagrams. Really helped a lot to blow it up to 3 foot by 4 foot and stick to the wall as me and a buddy worked through the circuits.

Car is all back and buttoned up. Drove it today and very pleased!

[mgphoto]

There are 2 diodes behind the combo gauge, the brake light uses 2 separate circuits, the diodes prevent the current flowing in the wrong direction.
This is according to the factory wiring diagrams.
I have the same problem, just pull the wires to the switch on the master cylinder, tape them up, flashing stops but brake warning light will not light as the pedal goes to the floor, the light will not help in that situation, as you already know the pedal is going to the floor!
PS: get a 911 flasher, ground the common from the flasher and watch your individual turn signal indicators flash on the gauge in the direction you are turning.
Mike