Will this single-prong contact switch work for my emergency brake light on my 1987 Vanagon Westy?

Yes, this single-prong contact switch is designed specifically to activate the emergency brake warning lamp on the dash for all Vanagon models from 1980 to 1991, including your 1987 Westfalia. It's a common and reliable choice for this function.

I need a contact switch for my Vanagon's dome light. Is this the right one?

This single-prong switch is perfect for activating the front door dome light in your Vanagon. When you open the door, this switch completes the circuit, turning on your interior light. It's a straightforward replacement for that functionality.

I heard there's a difference between single-prong and two-prong contact switches for Vanagons. What's the deal?

You're right, there's a difference! This is a single-prong switch, great for the emergency brake light or just the dome light. A two-prong switch is needed if you want to keep the original door chime sound working along with the dome light. Many owners prefer this simpler single-prong version for just the light functions.

Is this switch difficult to install on my Vanagon's emergency brake handle?

Installation is generally straightforward for this contact switch on the emergency brake handle. It's designed to fit easily into the existing spot. Most owners find they can swap it out themselves with basic tools in under an hour. You'll want to ensure the handle is in the 'off' position before you start.

Will this contact switch fit my 1985 Vanagon Camper, even if it's an automatic?

Absolutely! This quality aftermarket contact switch is made to fit all Vanagon models from 1980-1991, regardless of whether you have a 2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic transmission, or a specific trim like the Camper. It covers the emergency brake light and front door dome light functions reliably.

Contact Switch

Name: Contact Switch [Vanagon]
SKU: 113-947-561
Price: 3.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Contact Switch [Vanagon]

Product:	113-947-561
Works With:	1980-1991
Manufacturer:	Quality Aftermarket
Availability:	Low Stock

$3.95

Does this part fit your vehicle? Log in to your account & update your profile!

This little single-prong contact switch is utilized in two locations on the Vanagon

Works with:

Emergency brake handle - to illuminate warning lamp on dash
Front door dome light activation

Note: A new female spade connector may need to be crimped onto your existing wiring to connect to the spade terminal on this switch.

*A different two-prong switch is required if you wish to maintain the annoying door chime, but we find most folks are happy to get rid of it!

Fits: All 1980-91 Vanagon

5 stars: 9 (75%)
4 stars: 1 (8%)
3 stars: 1 (8%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 1 (8%)

Very unhappy with this product. I have an 87 westy, and both the drivers and the passenger door light switches have the "mini" female blade on the OEM wire, not the regular sized male blade that is on these switches, requiring a cut and solder job. Secondly, you don't seem to offer the two blade switch, which is found on the driver's door, and when I called for guidance as to how to install your single blade on the diver's door, the guy was unaware of the issue and didn't have any guidance for me. Thanks for the refund, but this product is not the "one size fits all" that you are offering.

Hi Bruce, thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear this product didn't meet your expectations. We have added additional text on the web page that should help. All the best, GW

The switch turn on the light. Unfortunately, it does not separate the buzzer from when the passenger door is opened. I’ll see if I can fix my original one or keep looking for an OEM one

Direct replacement.

An exact replacement, no fiddling required.

functional

works as it should, nothing more to really say about it.

relay switch

I ordered the relay switch as my emergency brake light would not turn off. The switch came promptly and was very reasonably priced. Although I installed the new switch and inspected the wire and contact point, this did not solve the problem so I went back to the manual and found, in small print, that the light may be staying on due to low brake fluid. Once I added fluid the light functioned as it should. No problem. All is well and I know better now.

Stop the noise

Works the inside lame without the noise

Perfect!

Great upgrade over original switches

emergency brake warning light switch

Have you ever driven your VW Vanagon with the emergency brake on? I have. It wasn't until I took out the carpet in the front that I noticed the power wire to the emergency brake warning light was cut. I saw the contact switch was there and put two and two together and realized the emergency brake light wasn't working. So I checked the switch and notice it wasn't working either. It was bent and stuck. So I bought a new contact switch and installed it and spliced the crosscut together and hoped for the best. I saw the light on the dash was working but it now it wouldn't turn off. After careful inspection I noticed the contact switch and the handle weren't in contact but there was a hole about 1/4" diameter right over the contact switch and I knew I had a way to make them work together. So I bought a 6mm x 1.0 x 12mm set screw and threaded the hole, put the set screw in the hole with a little 1/8" extension and now the light turns off when the handle is down. No more driving with the emergency brake light on.

Old one was stuck

Old one was stuck, this one works well.

Listing needs revamping.

Error?:
“Fitment:
Emergency brake handle - to illuminate warning lamp on dash”

Also “Schematics” shows brake lever mechanism.

I have not purchased this part, so can’t review it properly.

Hi Lawrence, this page has been updated. Thank you!

Good buy

Good price for a food part

Contact Switch [Vanagon]

Your cart is empty

Your cart is empty

When should we send your message?

Contact Switch [Vanagon]

RELATED PRODUCTS

Map Light & Bulb [Vanagon]

LED Bulb Kit for Late Westfalia Camper [Vanagon]

Replacement LCD Screen for Clock

Glove Box Light (LED)

Headliner Dome Light Add Kit

LED Bulb Kit for Automatic Shifter [Vanagon]

Dome Light & LED Bulb Bundle

Cluster Harness Illumination LED Kit [Vanagon]

Dome Light

Instrument Cluster LED Bulb Kit [Vanagon]

LED Bulb for 3-Bulb Camper Light [Late Vanagon Camper]

LED Dome Light Festoon Bulb

LED Bulb [Early Camper Interior]

Bulb & Socket for Dash Vent Control/Heater Switch [Vanagon]

Bulb Holder for Hazard Flasher / Fog Light Switch

Replacement LED Bulb for Instrument Cluster LED Kit

Bulb & Socket for Instrument Illumination & Locker/Decoupler Panel [Vanagon]

Bulb - Interior Glove Box & Map Light (Standard or LED) [Vanagon]

Automatic Shifter / Fog Light Switch / Headlight Switch Bulb

Dome Light Festoon Bulb (Incandescent)

Brake Proportioning Valve

Front Brake Bundle [Vanagon]

Hub Conversion Kit for Bigger Brakes [2WD Vanagon]

Brake Caliper/Backet Assembly - Rear (Driver Side) [Bus/Vanagon/Eurovan]

Brake Caliper/Backet Assembly - Rear (Passenger Side)[Bus/Vanagon/Eurovan]

Power Brake Booster [Vanagon]

Brake Caliper Assembly - Front [Late Vanagon]

Brake Hose Bundle - OEM (Stainless) [Vanagon]

Bare Brake Caliper - Rear (Passenger Side) [Bus/Vanagon/Eurovan]

Bare Brake Caliper - Rear (Driver Side) [Bus/Vanagon/Eurovan]

Brake Fluid Reservoir [Vanagon]

Bigger Brake Rotor (GoWesty Bigger Brakes Kit)

Brake Rotor - Front [2WD Early Vanagon]

Rotor for GoWesty Rear Disc Brakes (Slotted & Plated) [Bus/Vanagon]

Brake Rotor - Front [2WD Late Vanagon]

Brake Rotor - Front [Syncro]

Front Brake Dust Shields [4WD]

Front Brake Dust Shield Set (2WD) [Bus & Vanagon]

Performance Brake Pads [Late Vanagon]

Performance Brake Pads [Bus/Early Vanagon]

Rear Disc Brake Dust Shields [Bus/Vanagon]

BARGAIN BASEMENT - Rotor for GoWesty Rear Disc Brakes [Bus/Vanagon]

Brake Master Cylinder [Vanagon]

Hand Brake Cable - Front

Brake Hose - Stainless (Front) [Vanagon]

Rear Disc Brake Pad Set [Bus/Vanagon]

Brake Pad Set (GoWesty Bigger Brakes)

Check Valve for Power Brake Booster

Rear Hand Brake Cable L/R [Vanagon]

Brake Hose - Stainless (Rear) [Vanagon]