Vixen S2 handbrake switch arrangement

[anonymous-user]

Having found there is no handbrake switch or any signs of it, does anyone have photos or a spec of what should be fitted? I know it is some form of sprung arrangement I presume on a bracket on the chassis but thats about it!.

[tomtrout]

Below are a couple of pics of the handbrake set up that was on my S2 taken as I was stripping it down. Basically the switch is a little spring loaded pull operated affair. You can't see it in the secondon pic but it is attached to the end of the spring.I believe Adrian can supply new switches.

[anonymous-user]

Many thanks Andy. The spring appears to pull on the switch is that correct? Strange arrangement!

[phillpot]

If it's anything like the switch used on the Taimar it's a rubbish little fiddley thing. Unless you're a stickler for originality I'd suggest making up a little bracket and using something like this, as used on later cars

[62GRANTIII]

I found the best way .... to use a 60's British motorbike brake switch. These are easily fitted & far superior to the horrendous M switch Cheers Ian

[anonymous-user]

Having looked at this and the Vixen wiring diagram I cant see how the system works. I know I'm thick but the two switches are wired simply in series so the brake fail switch must always be on for the handbrake switch to operate so thats OK for a) handbrake on b) handbrake off - but c) handbrake off and brake failure = no power to the bulb??

[62GRANTIII]

It switches an earth to the dash lamp. Lamp has permanent supply It's main purpose really is to keep checking the lamp which also indicates brake failure / fluid loss on later M's
The otter switch on M's works same way switching the earth !
Cheers Ian

Edited by 62GRANTIII on Friday 21st October 16:09

[anonymous-user]

I simplified the description, but in series as per wiring diagram the brake fail must always be conducting for the handbrake switch to work.
Handbrake on or off the switch works the earth to the bulb. When driving the handbrake switch is off so if brake fail cant earth the bulb.

Am i missing something?

[62GRANTIII]

Originally wired in parallel so that either of the 2 switches close, dash light will illuminate. The only way it can work. Cheers Ian

[anonymous-user]

That would explain it. I was using this diagram and it can't work unless the handbrake switch is earthed direct as well, and switches between chassis earth and battery earth, so when it's on the latter the PDWA switch can come into action. Which also means they are the wrong way round on the drawing the handbrake needs to be the one nearest the warning light

[anonymous-user]

Just looked at the proper wiring diagram - the correct arrangement is as I thought. Bloody internet diagram is way out! There's so much incorrect info out there....

[Andrew Gray]

V6Pushfit said:

Just looked at the proper wiring diagram - the correct arrangement is as I thought. Bloody internet diagram is way out! There's so much incorrect info out there....

And People keep writing more books on TVRs and publishing more mistakes if we get many more there will be a enough to do a book on the inaccuracy s in all the TVR books published
We all get it wrong at times but some decide to put them in print
Andrew

[anonymous-user]

Yes, if when you look up 'Vixen wiring diagram' the most well drawn and plausible result is wrong you do have to wonder. Thing is that some of these things become a yardstick and then people use them as future reference.

A lot of people use the John Upham list for parts but it desperately needs correcting and updating with the combined current knowledge.

[Astacus]

I think John said he was doing an update just recently. I certainly have a few items to add for series ones.