TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Mar 27, 2007 3:29 pm

Wanted to get some feedback on this. Awhile ago I had no brake lights, after bleeding the system they worked fine. It's been about 2 weeks and now the lights don't come on until I'm just about stopped. I bled the system with my pressure bleeder and then the old fashioned way with a helper which made the difference. If I pump the brakes they come on earlier so I'm thinking that there is still a bit of air in the lines even though I have great solid pedal pressure and no pulling to the left as before. I could rig up a mechanical type switch but that would be a bandaid IF there is still air in the lines. If there isn't has anyone found a difference in pressure switches from different vendors?

Tue Mar 27, 2007 8:21 pm

Sorry to say, but it sounds like the switches need replaced.

They should be fairly sensitive but yours are probably gummed up or corroded. Replace them then bleed the system.

Wed Mar 28, 2007 1:29 pm

And dribble some fluid into them before you install them. Less chance of an air pocket getting stuck.

Wed Mar 28, 2007 3:14 pm

The switches are only about a year and a half old and I did pull them out and blew out the old fluid and added new. I really think it's air as I noticed today they were working fine, I guess I'll be in the garage tonight bleeding the brakes again. If that doesn't work then it'll be new ones from a different source.

Thanks -

Fri Apr 06, 2007 9:35 pm

Well after bleeding the brakes, the lights started working however as time went on, they worked less and less. I replaced the switches today and they work better than ever. I no longer get static on the radio when I brake, it actually was an indicator that the lights were working as the static went away when the lights came on. The lights also come on with less pedal pressure than before. Thanks for the tips -

Sat Apr 07, 2007 12:00 am

the brake switches they sell these days are crap. 2 years is about all I get from them so you're on schedule

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Sat Apr 07, 2007 5:51 am

I went thru 3 "new" switches before I got 1 that worked half assed. I still need to get a better one. I am still leaning putting a macanical one on.

Sat Apr 07, 2007 7:08 am

Makes me feel a little better that I'm not the only one.

I know I read a post where someone installed an actual electro/mechanical switch, I would be interested in finding out how they did it. I could see mounting it either in front of or behind the pedal - anyone ever try it?

Sat Apr 07, 2007 8:53 am

I made a alternate brake light switch once. Used a normally open 12 volt relay i had laying around. Possibly a fan relay. All the wiring was suitcase connector tapped into the stock wires in the trunk except the one for the relay coil ground went down to a bracket by the brake pedal.