Warm Idle Light ‘ON” and Brake Failure.

Hi Guys,

I took the ’80 GTSi out today for a short trip – 50 miles each way.

Along the way, the ‘Brake Failure” indicator lit up.

The manual stated this was due to unequal pressure.

Reservoir was full, and there we no signs of any leaks – I was hoping it was a glitch or something, and continued along my merry way.

Exit off the highway, and the idle while downshifting immediately jumps from 1000 rpm to 3500-4000.

At this same time, the yellow instrument light in the upper right corner came on signaling ‘low engine temperature”

Drove another three miles and proceeded to make a right turn at a light, while downshifting and braking, the brake pedal sank to the floor, no brakes whatsoever.

That includes the emergency brake too.

After averting what could have been a really bad situation and saying a couple of prayers, I tried to figure out what happened to cause both symptoms.

Before the idle shot up, it was running fine, 170 degrees (water), 65 psi (oil pressure), and oil temp was 210 degrees – everything was running as it should and always did.

The idle increased after almost 50 miles of normal driving when it 85 degrees outside.

What would cause the idle to increase so drastically for no apparent reason?

In case it helps, after pulling into a parking lot, following the brake failure incident, the car will idle fine when the clutch is not engaged, the second you try to shift, the idle goes up again.

Don’t have a clue on this one.

Back to the brake failure, the indicator light never came on again, and the brakes were working fine with no fade.

While in the parking lot, I found out that I could pump the brakes and get one or two half-hearted stops.

Odd enough, the reservoir was still full!

After the tow home, I was able to drive it into the garage – the brakes worked, and the idle was back to normal!

Well, I don't have a clue where to start, hence this post.

Has anyone had a similar problem(s)?

Thanks in advance,

Vince

 

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your help.

Yes, the cold fast idle device is present.

Everything on the car is stock and no mods have been done.

On a typical day, when starting the car, it will idle at 3000 rpm, and then over the course of five minutes, the water temp will reach normal levels as will the oil pressure, then the idle will drop to the usual 1000 rpm idle.

I will check out the link that you posted and see what happens.

I will post again when I have found something out.

Thank you again,

Vince