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#1 brake lights
Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2016 11:13 am
by jme
HI
The brake lights on my '69 S2 2+2 FHC have stopped working,
but I don't know where is the brake lights switch.
can you help me ?
many thanks
#2
Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2016 11:20 am
by iani
It's on the bulkhead, LH side, near the bottom, you will see it screwed into a brake pipe junction.
Ian
#3
Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2016 12:19 pm
by Tbob
To help clarify, its a pressure switch, not a mechanical one.
Many new owners (like myself) spent time looking in the brake pedal area before learning this.
#4
Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2016 12:55 pm
by Heuer
The hyrdraulic switch is a real pain and replacements fail regularly. It is also a poor concept because it requires a build up of fluid pressure to activate the lights which means brushing the pedal to to give warning of your intentions will not work, you need almost full on braking to get activation. The answer is to fit a mechanical switch which can be done simply and cheaply without even requiring you do do anything to the hydraulic switch or its wiring. Full details here:
viewtopic.php?t=3134
Should be the first thing you do to an E-Type before taking it on the road!
#5
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 6:44 am
by jme
ok thank you all for the information.
I also spent time, look near the brake pedal.
I found.No brake switch but simply a wire disconnected near the brake servo
nothing is simple on this car ...but I love it
:D
#6
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 7:35 am
by MLBS3V12
S3 is equipped with e machanical switch.
#7 Brake lights
Posted: Fri Jun 10, 2016 1:58 pm
by cactusman
The hydraulic switch per se is not a bad idea of itself...mechanical ones also fail. The problem is with the intermotor pattern part which everyone will agree is crap. Really a service item to be replaced annually. It is relatively simple and a good idea to add a relay so the hydraulic switch operates the relay and the relay operates the lights rather than the switch operating brake lights directly as the pattern part contacts are not up to the 3+ amps that lights need. I have also added a small yellow led below the dash that lights with the brake lights. Any sign of increasing pressure required to light the lights and it is off with the switch and a new one fitted. No need to bled the brwkes if you do it quickly. Five minutes job. An alternative to adding a mechanical switch....