Both Brake lights out.

Kes · Post by **Kes** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:28 am

Hi - wonder if anyone might be able to throw some light on this. Both the brake lights on my '69 S2 have stopped working. I checked the bulbs and the fuse but still nothing. is there a share earth point or something similar I can check?

Post by **Heuer** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:57 am

Have you checked the switch? Remove both spade connectors, short together and lights should come on. The hydraulically operated switches are known to fail (one a year in my case!) because the repro ones have the wrong contact material. Suggest you fit a mechanical switch as detailed in the 'Upgrades' Forum which should be done as a matter of course anyway: http://etypeuk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3134

Kes · Post by **Kes** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 7:36 pm

Sorry to sound a bit dim but can you tell me where I can find the brake light switch? I can't seem to find reference to it in the 'upgrades' link, or indeed the CD workshop manual I have!

Thanks for your help on this one.

GSR 54D · Post by **GSR 54D** » Tue Mar 11, 2014 7:47 pm

Hi Kes

If it's the same as a series 1 4.2 try looking on the right hand side of the brake servo low down protruding from the horizontal brake pipe.

John H.

Kes · Post by **Kes** » Thu Mar 13, 2014 2:15 pm

Found it. One more thing - can I just swap it with the replacement or do I need to bleed the brakes?
Thanks for your patience! nearly there.
K

Post by **Heuer** » Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:43 pm

Get someone to gently apply a light pressure to the brake pedal and you can remove and replace without problem. Suggest you buy the brake sensor switch from a VW Beetle (a direct replacement) otherwise you will be replacing the standard repro one every year!

Kes · Post by **Kes** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 10:49 am

Thankyou Heuer - that's great advice. Any particular year of Beetle or part number?
Kes

Post by **Heuer** » Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:30 am

Ask for a brake light switch for a 1968 VW Beetle or search eBay. VW Part numbers are: #113-945-515/H or #113-945-515/G. Still highly recommend the mechanical switch though as a) it operates more quickly and b) it is more reliable. You can fit both in parallel as a safety net. Being rear ended in an E-Type will mean you will never drive one again because of whip-lash. Not worth the risk for 30 minutes work and a couple of quid.

abowie · Post by **abowie** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 5:21 am

Heuer wrote:Ask for a brake light switch for a 1968 VW Beetle

Is the thread Imperial or metric?

Post by **Heuer** » Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:48 pm

BSP I think but the VW part seems to fit perfectly.

abowie · Post by **abowie** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 7:22 am

The ones I've seen with the /H are 10mm x1 thread pitch, which would be pretty close to 3/8 UNF.

GSR 54D · Post by **GSR 54D** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 2:38 pm

Hi David

I did this mechanical switch mod as "described" in the upgrades section although it took me 2 hours! down to bracket making. Interesting to hear you mention keeping the hydraulic switch connected as a back up. I initially disconnected it thinking it might increase the output to the rear bulbs however I will reconnect it as safety back up. It's nice to see my brake lights reflecting in headlights of those behind me every time now. I used to drive with a heavy brake foot in town just to make sure the lights came on. But no more.

John H.

Post by **Heuer** » Mon Mar 17, 2014 3:10 pm

John

The bracket took me about 10 minutes to make as I had a suitable metal strip - two holes, three bends. Fitting was the other 20 minutes although I will admit it took me 90 minutes to drive to the nearest Motor Factor to find a suitable switch.

I think someone sells it as a kit but I can't recall who:

Andrew

I think you are correct about the 3/8" UNF thread which is 10mm equivalent

Link:
BBcode:
HTML:
	Hide post links

Link:
BBcode:
HTML:
	Hide post links

Link:
BBcode:
HTML:
	Hide post links

Link:
BBcode:
HTML:
	Hide post links

Link:
BBcode:
HTML:
	Hide post links

The 'E' Type Forum

Both Brake lights out.

#1 Both Brake lights out.

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

#11

#12

#13