Hydraulic Brake Switch problem

Z

zebedee37

New Member
I replaced the switch 2 years ago. Worked perfectly. Now the lights only come on under very heavy braking.

The fluid is clean and the brakes themselves work very well

(Passed MOT this afternoon - lihgts tested under heavy braking - however I noticed they didnt come on when the tester drove forward at the end of test and braked)

I then checked them again myself and they do only come on when very heavy braking.

Is this a common fault? I will be ordering another switch in the morning anyway
 
I have lost count of the number of hydraulic brake light switches that I have replaced in my V8 over the last few years --- I actually started buying them three at a time so that I could replace the switch without delay when it failed. Just before failing altogether the switch would turn on the brake lights only with very heavy pedal pressure --- just as in Fenton's case. They were all new original Lucas switches bought from a long-established and trusted motor factor in Dublin. I think one switch lasted less than a week. Another guy I know has had the same problem with an identical Lucas switch in his Jaguar E-Type --- he bought his switches from the UK over the internet, so I assume that a large run of defective switches was manufactured by or for Lucas. I eventually threw in the towel and fitted a mechanical switch about a year ago. No problems so far --- touch wood!
 
My 2 brake switches arrived today (fast service from Jeff at Weeklies)

So this weekend will fit one and keep the other as spare. Lets see how long they last.

Hope Im not on here in a few weeks asking for advice on conversion to a mechanical one! :) :)
 
Frequent brake switch changes.
I had that problem. I found that the brake fluid was very dirty with sediment (due to iron oxide dust from inside the lines) and dark grey (perhaps deteriorating rubber).

I flushed the lines with new fluid and flush out the lines each year.

I wondered if crud was blocking the brake pressure switch orifice.

Eric
 
I change my brake fluid annually. I never saw anything blocking the orifice. I think that I replaced the brake switch once only between 1986 and 2000 (about 150,000 miles) and maybe up to fifteen times since 2000 (about 30,000 miles).
 
Ive had P6's off and more often on since I was 17. Never had a hydraulic switch fail.

The one I replaced a couple of years ago or so was one that was a bit dodgy when I got the car. Replaced as part of the major repairs on the car which involved total flushing of the fluid before I chjanged the switch and then after.

Fluid changed again after a year.

Something not quite right somewhere.

Anyway - will report back when this weekends replacement fails (hopefully in 10 years!!)
 
Well it lasted lesss than 2 years!!!

Driving today and noticed no brake lights!!. Got home ultra quick. Lights come on only when "standing" on the pedal (and then not every time!!)

Spent a few hours searching through boxes for the spare new switch (of the 2 I bought Nov 2005) Will fit tommorrow.

A bit cheesed off!!. Never had a switch fail on my 4cyl cars! (are the switches different?
 
fitting extra brake lamps or frequent towing soon wrecks switches. The OE towing kit included a relay for the brake lamps
 
On the estate - no extra lamps. A towbar is fitted but used very rarely - I use the 2000TC as my tractor!

:)

Anyway - just waiting for a pause in the rain to fit my spare switch (and I must remember to order another couple for "stock"!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top