S1 Handbrake switch

[Knightrider]

I've been getting annoyed with the brake light intermittently flashing on/off on the dash of my S1 2+2. I have traced it back to the handbrake switch.

It looks from the diagrams on the MR site that there are two designs:



Removing the centre console, mine seems to be the first of the two, with the handbrake switch mounted facing directly downwards. Am I correct that this earlier design does not have the spring clip (part 7 on the lower diagram), and that the switch is activated by the lever itself contacting the pin on the switch? It seems like a very small contact point that is going to be difficult to adjust to work reliably...

[Gfhug]

The diagram shows the 2+2 handbrake as the upper one and the standard SWB car the lower one.
Therefore please use the upper diagram to help you.
Note your comment about the earlier design is incorrect as the SWB is the original handbrake design.

Geoff

[Knightrider]

Ah - makes more sense!

So looking at the diagram, the 2+2 handbrake doesn't have the contact spring for the switch? I've ordered a new switch, but am not sure that the intact area will be enough to make it reliable...

[bitsobrits]

Can you solder/weld/braze a bit of metal on to increase your contact area?

[Knightrider]

I can perhaps 3D print something. Will wait for the new switch and take it from there.

Strange that the design is so different from the non 2+2...

[Sven]

Having recently fitted one to my 2+2, it seemed to be a case of using the nuts on the switch (above and below the bracket) to adjust the 'bite point' of the microswitch until it activated as you raise the handbrake from the lowest position. Patience is your friend!

Good luck,

Richard

[Knightrider]

Thanks. Adjustment certainly helps and when the car is static the switch works fine. When moving on the road, the light is still coming on and off at will. I guess engine/gearbox/road vibrations are activating it as there is some movement in the handbrake lever and the contact point is quite small.

I have ordered a spring from a non 2+2 car to see if I can adapt it to fit - it would seem like the spring mechanism on the non 2+2 cars should ensure more even pressure when the handbrake is down?

Failing that, I am just going to unplug the damned thing - the light is annoying me!

[mgcjag]

The brake lamp also indicates low brake fluid....gave you checked the reservoirvor it's switch.....if its definatly the handbrake switch then you vave it set too sensitive...Steve

[Knightrider]

Yes - I did think of that! Brake reservoirs and sensors are fine. If I disconnect the handbrake switch, the light remains off.

[Knightrider]

Quick update - managed to fit the spring form the non 2+2 cars. Needed a bit of bending to make it fit, but the light now comes on-off more reliably. Success!