brake light switch replacement?

don911 · don911's Garage

My brake lights are only coming on when I mash the pedal down as hard as I can. I'm assuming new pressure switches are needed.
Do I need to empty the MC before replacing them or can I get away with letting some fluid leak out when I remove the old switches. If the system is not under pressure, it shouldn't spray out, should it?
Any advice on switch replacement is appreciated.
thanks!

emcon5 · emcon5's Garage

It won't spray, but it will seep a bit. I just stuck a rag under the M/C and did it quick.

Tom

Nader · 08-06-2002, 10:52 PM

Hey Don, sorry you missed out on the last set at the DE. It's a bit unusual that you're going through so many brake pressure switches. Could the MC be at fault?

On an unrelated note, I scrounged together a full set of wider Fuchs: 8x16 (951 offset) for the front, 9x16 for the rear. I'm just a set of tires and torsion bars away from fending you off at the next DE.

warment · 08-07-2002, 03:08 AM

What year is your car? My 73 has a mechanical brake light switch that does not require you to "tap" into the brake line.

Bill

Jdub · 08-07-2002, 05:19 AM

You can put these in without draining the MC on your Carrera. However, do purge the MC through the brake switch hole to remove water, particulate, and the like that may have been the cause of your currnet problem.

I did this by having someone in the car push the brake pedal VERY slowly as I removed the old switch. When the brake pedal bottomed out, I put the old switch back in (like closing the bleeder nipple on a brake caliper) and had them return the pedal to normal. Then, I repeated the process, having them purge (bleed, really) again and when they told me the pedal was almost to the bottom I quickly screwed in the new pressure switch. Worked like a charm. Lots of dark junk in there too (and this following a complete brake job and bleed!).

John

don911 · don911's Garage

Thanks for the help. The switches are on their way so hopefully I'll get them in this weekend.
John, I'll try purging the MC. I put new fluid in every year so it shouldn't be too bad...though when I bleed them, I'm surprised at how dark the not so old fluid is.
Bill, the brake switches on SC's (I think) and carreras are pressure switches on the MC. I wish I had the mechanical switch. It would be much easier and more reliable.

Thanks,