Is there a way to modify the standard brake light system so that the brake lights come on earlier? I found this video but surely there is something simpler?
I have quite large brakes on my car so in normal traffic it doesn't take much pedal application to make the car slow, but as a gentlemen told me yesterday at a set of lights, my brake lights weren't on. They work perfectly when pressed slightly harder, but it's something that I'm now very wary about. Any ideas?
regards
Jak
ian.mezz ·
I sure that you could fit a brake light switch inside on the pedal rod , under the carpet,
a little VT commodore switch on a small bit of angle mounted on floor . and a small plate on the rod for the button to stop on ,when you push the brakes the rod and plate would move forward making the brake light switch button pop out making the brake lights come on.
I did a similar set up on my Kombi
the cruise control switch works 2 ways
there are smaller switches, you could even mount it on the floor in front of the pedals with the button pushing on the end of the rod using that .
vlad01 ·
ian.mezz wrote:I sure that you could fit a brake light switch inside on the pedal rod , under the carpet,
a little VT commodore switch on a small bit of angle mounted on floor . and a small plate on the rod for the button to stop on ,when you push the brakes the rod and plate would move forward making the brake light switch button pop out making the brake lights come on.
I did a similar set up on my Kombi
the cruise control switch works 2 ways
there are smaller switches, you could even mount it on the floor in front of the pedals with the button pushing on the end of the rod using that .
the 2nd one it ideal. but 38 bucks! fark 🤪 pretty damn expensive for a part that no one ever will replace.
I got heaps of those laying around if you need one.
I got heaps of the cruise control ones too, but those are quite bulky
AA003 ·
It may fix it by renewing the standard switches.
1303Steve ·
Hi
I've had the same issue with older switches, it can also be a build up of sludge in the opening in the switch. It wouldn't be hard to fit a mechanical switch but none of them are as neat as the VW design
Steve
beetleboyjeff ·
AA003 wrote:It may fix it by renewing the standard switches.
I had this problem, and replacing the standard switch fixed it.
vduboy ·
You could also try a motorbike mechanical brake light switch, they are adjustable to get the right timing. Most are about $22 aftermarket.
Jak Rizzo ·
Thanks for all the replies guys, I'll try a new switch first & see how it goes
hulbyw ·
I run silicone brake fluid which chews out the seals on standard switches, so I have set up a microswitch operating off the pedal. This setup can be adjusted so the lights come on when you just breathe on the pedal.
If fitting a new hydraulic switch, I would think you may have to bleed the brakes but I may be wrong
Cheers....wayne
vduboy ·
If you are quick changing it you can get away without bleeding it but it generally doesn't hurt to give them a good flush out. Let me know if you do want a motorbike switch, I can get a pic of a few different styles from work.
helbus ·
I fitted a new hydraulic switch to our beetle. Just did the instant swap old for new, and the pedal doesn't feel any different, so did not have to bleed.
Jak Rizzo ·
put a new switch in the MC, bled the brakes, much much better, lights come on almost instantly