The new Brake light switches don't match the old ones

[450knotOffice]

Damn.

I ordered a couple of switches from Pelican and got them in two days. I ordered the two prong switches as required. However, after removing the old switches from the MC today, to my dismay I noticed that the spacing between the electrical prongs on the new switches were much more widely spaced than the old ones, which basically prevents me from using the stock connector.

What the heck?!

Have you guys seen this issue crop up before? Did they discontinue the old switch? If so, I guess I'll need to clip off the old connector and fabricate new connectors from scratch. That just doesn't seem right though.

Ideas?

Old switch on the left. New switch on the right. Note how much wider the span between terminals is.

[slodave]

Pelican shows two different switches with the same part number. Check out the second switch pics. That is the correct one.

Master Cylinder Brake Lamp Switch, 2-Pole, 2 Req, 911/911 Turbo (1984-89)
Brand: TRW/Mera - VAG [Photo] [Photo]

Dave

[450knotOffice]

Yea, I noticed that a few minutes ago. Curiously, they have the same exact part number but they show two different switches, one of which is mine. However, if you click the purchase option on the correct-looking one, and you go to your cart, the picture it shows is of the wrong one, which makes me think the old part has been superseded.

[slodave]

You can get the OEM from the VW parts catalog as well. I have bought a few of them from VW parts suppliers in order to save cost. If PP does not carry them anymore, I can get you the part number.

Dave

[450knotOffice]

Thanks Dave.

[Quicksilver]

Here is a recent thread on the VW switch... lowest price brake light switch here

It appears to be for a 63 through 87 VW. SHould be easy to find.

[450knotOffice]

I went to a local privately owned German Auto parts store and, Lo and Behold, they had the right one.

Man am I relieved. This little issue stopped me dead in my tracks.

By the way, the kid behind the counter told me that the reason you'll get the EXACT same part number with different spacing on the prongs is because apparently the VW simply uses two loose leads with individual connectors that connect to each prong, so spacing of the prongs is not an issue, whereas Porsche uses a special single plug connector which therefore requires proper prong spacing. Evidently, because the part is made for VW, the various producers can space the prongs as they please since it doesn't matter.

Live and learn, I guess.

[84porsche]

Thanks Scott. I know who I'll be talking to if/when I encounter this problem.