Electric engine mounts

If it's anything like the Audi 100 of mid-80s vintage, there's a control unit behind a panel in the rear (on the passenger side) which checks brake lights etc.

The message from Volff contains these words:

Hmm, it's a lot later than that - I've a feeling it's integrated into the dash.

Still wondering about these engine mounts. I can find a few referrences to them with google but nothing that says what they do.

If the wrong bulb (wattage etc) has been fitted then the dead bulb warning lamp may still illuminate.

Andy

The brake light sensor starts staying on if there's any corrosion in the rearlight clusters. & I mean any.

It's not unusual on "premium" vehicles to have variable stiffness mounts. They are usually set "floppy" at idle, so engine vibrations don't get transmitted into the car body, but then stiffen up at high load to keep engine movement under control. (Ooh er no missus...)

Often the mounts contain a hydraulic element, with an electric solenoid valve to restrict the flow and so alter stiffness. Others, I believe, use some kind of fancy electro-rheologic fluid, but I'm hazy on the details. Either way the switching is done by the engine ECU according to some kind of load/speed map.

Tony

The message from "Andrew" contains these words:

Ah, that's a thought. But it only flashes when I go round corners.

The message from "Duncan Wood" contains these words:

No, it's happy with the brake lights - the ABS system gives it the all-clear every start.

The message from "

Ah. I had a feeling it was something like that. I wonder if that's why the engine's started sounding rather boomy on idle. I'll have a play.

Sorry, tail light sensor. It's a very pernickity device.