Thread: Brake Light Problems

Originally Posted by landychris

Thanks for the ideas. I have checked the wiring continuity, soldered wires and put on new connectors. Shrink tube has also been used where required. It appears that the root of the problem must be the leaver which operates the switch located under the switch plate on top of the pedal box. I have lubricated the pedal and cleaned and lubricated the lever and there does not seem to be any reason why the mechanism should not function correctly. It’s simple enough, a flat steel shaft that pivots after contact with the top of the pedal, which in turn depresses the plunger at the bottom of the switch to create a circuit and ‘voila’. I am still at a loss as to why it will work sometimes, then not work at all, then stay on. This means that I cannot get an accurate adjustment with the switch. The switch plate has two threaded holes and I have tried the switch in both but there is no change in the problem. With an electronic trailer brake unit fitted to the vehicle, I can monitor from the cabin what is going on and operate the brake lights in the case of failure, by hand. Next step is to modify the shaft and/or remove, clean and refit the brake pedal.
Chris

Chris , I hope you can spot whats wrong. Like you say its a simple setup but intermittent faults are damn frustrating.

Problem might be solved. It would appear that in a previous life a non genuine pedal bracket and switch lever unit was installed in my vehicle. I removed a switch plate from a well worn but original Series III today and checked the switch lever mechanism underneath. Surprisingly it was quite different to mine regarding quality. The moving parts were similar, but in mine they are smaller and less robust than in the original. I installed the old genuine unit in my vehicle and all seemed to work ok. At least now I might be on the right track... Thanks Wallydog, JDNSW, Timj and Wolfman TWP
landychris