A Ghost in the Machine....

[tassiedisco]

OK, guys....Here's one for ya all!

My D1's brake lights come on at random times. Nobody in the vehicle; lights off; key out; doors locked or unlocked; no movement either in or outside.

My gut feeling is that it's a malfunction in the alarm system, but I can't figure it. Any ideas???

[waynep]

That is wierd
Just confirm please it is the brake lights and not the indicator lights ?

[tassiedisco]

Definitely.

[DiscoveringAuz]

don't think it is your alarm, my guess is your brake switch, on your brake pedal, it is powered all the time, and if shorting will light up

[dmdigital]

Do you have a trailer plug on the back. If so check there isn't a short. Other thing to check is the brake peddle switch especially if an electric brake controller has been (or is) fitted.

[tassiedisco]

Do you have a trailer plug on the back. If so check there isn't a short. Other thing to check is the brake peddle switch especially if an electric brake controller has been (or is) fitted.
Yes, it does have an electric brake controller. I'll check it out tomorrow (if it isn't raining :( )
Cheers.

[tassiedisco]

:( but being a farmer, I can't complain :D

[p38arover]

:( but being a farmer, I can't complain :D

You must be on the east coast. It never stops raining on the west. :D

[awabbit6]

Yes, it does have an electric brake controller.

I have read that some of the older Tekonsha brake controllers do this. I think the solution is a new brake controller.

[p38arover]

I have read that some of the older Tekonsha brake controllers do this. I think the solution is a new brake controller.

If you've got an older faulty one that you are throwing out, may I have it to look at? (I'm an electronics tech.)

[tassiedisco]

"Average" is for our farm in NW Tassie over the past 8 years.

http://www.mathomfarm.com.au/images/rf2008.jpg

You're "sort of" right about the W coast, however our hydro dam storage is a an all-time low (~20% but don't quote me) and much of the east and midlands are in severe drought. We decided to farm in NW Tassie because of the reliable (and most importantly, timely)... rainfall.;) Being on a major river and irrigating helps!
Oh, and our 4WDs are really "tractors". They are out in the mud and the slush every day working hard and earning their keep. They definitely aren't recreational vehicles! Our old MQ Patrol with the SD33 diesel and "Mongrel" tyres is great for towing (lots of low-rev torque) and as long as you keep her between 2000 and 3000rpm the Disco just eats hills, even in the mud! I refuse to enter the "Ute Culture" and find the station wagons excellent for the sort of work that we do. (I guess it's the Western Australian in me.)

[tassiedisco]

You were right guys, it was the electric braking unit. The sensitivity pot was sticking so I cleaned it and it's OK now.
Thanks, dm_td5 You put me on the right track. :D

[Pedro_The_Swift]

If you've got an older faulty one that you are throwing out, may I have it to look at? (I'm an electronics tech.)

now you want one,,,
I think I threw it away,,
:(