No brake lights

Jack Gresham · Jack Gresham's Garage

Hi Guys,

I have a total brake light failure, I have checked the fuse and the bulb on one side, the only thing in common to both sides is where one wire branches into two on the wiring diag, any ideas ?

Thanks,

Jack

87 Carrera

Zef · Zef's Garage

Brake light switch located on the master cylinder in the front lid on the left hand side...you have two switch (2 or 3 poles )

ossiblue · 12-19-2006, 06:04 AM

Jack,

Did you check the brake light switch? I believe it's located on the master cylinder. Not sure of its location (I'm used to early cars) but someone will chime in. It's a logical fault when both lights fail at once.
Larry

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

I just did this jack - get a 22mm deep socket and order replacement switches - not hard - and you can do with the MC in the car - fill with brake fluid before installing...

Damned BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH sucks in a dangerous way. Any better solution???

Head416 · Head416's Garage

Me too. Just replaced the two switches a week ago. I think I bought them off pelican for twelve bucks or so. Wasn't sure if that would introduce air into the system or not, so did a fluid flush. Anybody know if that was necessary? Oh, well, fluid was old anyway.

In any case, now I don't cringe when I see a semi coming up behind me, wondering if he knows I'm slowing down!!! I'm sure my car would be a great looking hood ornament, but I'd prefer not to find out.

Jack Gresham · Jack Gresham's Garage

Thanks guys, going to try two new switches tomorrow.

Jack

Jack Gresham · Jack Gresham's Garage

I replaced both switches tonight which fixed the problem, the brake lights come on with a little less pedal pressure and seem a tad brighter. Jeremy, thanks for suggesting the 22mm deep socket, you saved me a extra trip to sears.

Thanks again,

Jack

kbruz · 03-21-2007, 09:05 PM

I know that this is an old post. Anyone have pictures?

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by kbruz
I know that this is an old post. Anyone have pictures?

Of what?

kbruz · 03-22-2007, 08:59 AM

Of the location of the pressure switches.

kbruz · 03-22-2007, 08:59 AM

Of the location of the pressure switches.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

#23 in red

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by kbruz
I know that this is an old post. Anyone have pictures?

Hopefully you've got your issue worked out, but here are a few pics I took this morning.

Cheers!

Randy

RocknRon · 09-12-2007, 10:39 AM

I gotta do mine. I havent had Brake lights in a year.... Im scarred in every traffic jam... Going to Pelican to buy my switches now.... and use this site for a reference on how to do it....

I love my 86 911 Cab !

kbruz · 09-12-2007, 03:47 PM

Make sure that you check the fuse first to ensure that it is not blown. I recommend that you take it out to inspect as sometimes it a little difficult to see in the car.

The job to replace the switches is pretty easy to do. You will have to remove some ducting to reach them, but it was a fast job (maybe 1hr or so do replace). Took me a little longer since I did not understand the whole narrow wide thing. A couple of comments.

1. Make sure you have the deep set 22mm socket. The male spades on the end of the pressure switch interfere if you use the standard depth socket.

2. Check what type of switch you have. There are three versions, a three prong switch, a 2 prong narrow and a 2 prong wide. I did not quite understand the narrow vs. wide thing until I disaasemblied the part. Then you immediately get it.

My 86 targa had the narrow switch, which is no longer available. Essentially the space between the two male spades is about a 1/4" apart. The 2 prong wide has the male spades spaced about 3/8" ~ 1/2" apart.

The good news is that the size of the male spade is a standard. I went to a local automotive shop and picked up a set of male/female spade connectors and some wire. I made myself a quick 1" pigtail so that I could adapt from the narrow wire connector in the car to the new 2 prong wide switch.

RocknRon · 09-22-2007, 09:59 AM

Thank You KB. Do I have to blead the brakes ?? I have my switch and Im ready to go. Simple little part. Is there an installation method that will keep you from having to bleed the brakes??

kbruz · 09-22-2007, 10:41 AM

Good question about bleeding the brakes. I found that a drop or two came out when I removed the switch. Just have a rag handy. Regarding the bleeding of the brakes, I chose not to. Didn't see the need. I did some research on this web site and it seemed about split 50/50, Half of the threads and comments I read said to bleed the other half said you did not need to.

esample · esample's Garage

Talk about irony! I came on today to ask about a very similar (same?) problem. Last night I realized that my brake lights only come on when I really "get on" the brakes. Light pressure on the pedal=no brake lights.

Do I need to replace the switches, or is this problem fluid level-related? Hope this isn't a dumb question...

Thanks in advance for your help.

-ernie

scottb · 09-22-2007, 01:10 PM

KB's correct, there seems to be a split of authority on whether you have to bleed the system. When I changed my switches, I didn't bleed the brakes and the car's been fine ever since.

Ernie - it sounds like one of your switches has gone bad, and you're only operating on one. I'd replace both of them (the parts are cheap). That should solve your problem and, if you can figure out which switch is still good, you'll have a spare in your tool box.

esample · esample's Garage

Many thanks Scott. I'll do just that.

This forum is awesome!

-ernie