trip in two days...no brake lights

[rayjak]

Hi guys...just lost my brake lights...need two switches but I can't get from Pelican in time for my road trip. I saw a posting where a VW or Ford switch will work. Two questions, does anyone have either of the part numbers? And...is this a quick fix or are these something you can run with. Thank you for your replies....

Jamie

[Oh Haha]

You should be able to get them locally in time for your trip.

VW Part number for master cyinder switches?

[porschenut]

Are you sure it's the brake light switches?

[Jdub]

Fluid actuates the switches so have fresh on hand to replace it when it bleeds out - rag under the cylinder. I have heard folks apply positive pressure via friend in car GENTLY pushing clutch as you R&R. What you don't want is air in the system that would require bleeding.

Be attentive to any black or other bits behind that switch - this indicates possible seal deterioration.

[Drisump]

Had this happen on a trip about two months ago. Neither of my brake lights worked but did when I had left home. I scraped the inside of the sockets, resprung the connection and eureka, they worked. Because both were working and both suddenly stopped working, I figured that it couldn't be bulbs or connections. I can only assume that way the wiring is done, it's important for both to have a good connection. In case you want to try replacement of the bulbs, don't use the common garden variety 1157's, use the spec'd Porsche number. (which I don't have at my disposal right now). Cheers

[mthomas58]

Originally Posted by Oh Haha

You should be able to get them locally in time for your trip.

VW Part number for master cyinder switches?

My brake lights failed this week as well. Local delaership will have by tomorrow at a cost of $50 for two (no time for shipping from Pelican/safety issue). I note that the VW part number as shown on this link is the same at the Porsche part number preceeded by VWC. I'll stop be the VW dealership on the way to the office today to check this out.

UPDATE: Stopped by the VW dealership. The VW part No in the link is from the old VW Bettle and is not currently stocked. Price quote was $50/ea!

[Chuck.H]

I stopped replacing the pressure switches, and instead use a regular Ford switch that I've mounted to the front of the cast aluminum M/C bracket. This way the brake lights come on with just the faintest touch of the brake pedal (like when in heavy stop/go traffic). I felt like I was going to get killed with the factory switches.

I realize this isn't something super quick to setup if you're leaving town, but IMHO it's a way better solution than the pressure switches, which work marginal even when new.

HTH,
Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 320k miles

[rayjak]

Thanks for all the replies...my parts guy has sourced me two VW switches for tomorrow....as usual you have been most helpful..hopefully I will have some great pics to share when I return from her first trip

[Oh Haha]

Originally Posted by Chuck.H

I stopped replacing the pressure switches, and instead use a regular Ford switch that I've mounted to the front of the cast aluminum M/C bracket. This way the brake lights come on with just the faintest touch of the brake pedal (like when in heavy stop/go traffic). I felt like I was going to get killed with the factory switches.

I realize this isn't something super quick to setup if you're leaving town, but IMHO it's a way better solution than the pressure switches, which work marginal even when new.

HTH,
Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 320k miles

Did you post a thread on this at the time? I remember seeing something about it.

[Danimal16]

Did you check the connectors between the firewall and the front bonnet?
I had a similar problem and found that the connector had become disconnected. Plugged it in and they worked.
DanB

[Chuck.H]

Hi Wayne -
Yes I did write it up at the time, but probably not very descriptive. I have my 911 at work with me today (yea!) so I just snapped a pic. I've been meaning to make a better bracket, but this one has held up for a few years so I haven't bothered yet.

HTH,
Chuck.H

[rayjak]

Got my VW switches in this morning, all is well. Chuck...nice set up on your brake switch, but what actually actuates it?

[Chuck.H]

Hi -

Behind the plastic cover is the pivot point for the brake rod, and it moves in when the pedal is pressed, even if no real brake pressure is applied (think about creeping to a stop in very slow traffic)...

This is, IMHO, how it should have been designed; built into this cast housing.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 320k miles

[mthomas58]

Originally Posted by mthomas58

My brake lights failed this week as well. Local delaership will have by tomorrow at a cost of $50 for two (no time for shipping from Pelican/safety issue). I note that the VW part number as shown on this link is the same at the Porsche part number preceeded by VWC. I'll stop be the VW dealership on the way to the office today to check this out.

UPDATE: Stopped by the VW dealership. The VW part No in the link is from the old VW Bettle and is not currently stocked. Price quote was $50/ea!

Replaced both brake light switches tonight in 90 degree temps. Tight working space, hot as ***** and a real PITA job. Could only get the 22mm deep socket on the front switch. Fresh air blower box blocked socket access to the rear switch but I was able to get it out using an offset box-end wrench. Job done, brake lights now working, thank God!