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dodgy brake lights

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scotlander Casual Dubber

28 posts · joined Oct 2009 ·

#777178
The latest issue with my 70' beetle is that the brake lights only come on when i stand on the pedal, I bought a new switch to replace one of the old ones but i can't get at it. the master cylinder is rotated a few degrees which points the switches towards the pan so there is no room to get a spanner in there and turn it, can anyone who has replaced a switch before help with some advice ?
I have had a few near misses with my rear bumper on the ring road lately and i want to use the car as a daily runner.

Cheers,

Scott
1970 - 1500 single port typ 1
Yarraville

66brm Seriously Crusin Dubber

140 posts · joined Nov 2009 ·

#777180
The lights are only supposed to come on when you push the pedal, or is it excessive pressure you are applying before they come on?

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 ·

#777183
How's your master cylinder been rotated a few degrees... they'll only go in one way !!!

Way I've done it in the past is to just take the RHS front wheel off and get access through the wheel arch... car safely on stands of course. An open ended spanner of the right size should be all it takes.. 19mm I think ???

Be aware that you WILL need to bleed the brakes afterwards tho, so make sure you have suitable brake fluid, hose, a helper etc. on hand when you do it.

Good luck !!!

👍
VWDCQ vice pres & web dude - vwdcqinc.org.au
Join a car club - get car peeps

My toys
'70 Hillclimb Bug 'Jezebel' w/- Haltech EFI - http://bit.ly/VwTNtQ
'60 KG Coupe - resto kinda started
01 New Beetle - gf's car, but I turn the spanners

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 ·

#777184
Oh hey if you've got access to a multimeter you should also check that it really is the switch that's the problem... you said "switches" (as in late model master cyl)... I'd have thought it'd be unusual to have 'em both fail, so could be a wiring issue somewhere.
VWDCQ vice pres & web dude - vwdcqinc.org.au
Join a car club - get car peeps

My toys
'70 Hillclimb Bug 'Jezebel' w/- Haltech EFI - http://bit.ly/VwTNtQ
'60 KG Coupe - resto kinda started
01 New Beetle - gf's car, but I turn the spanners

scotlander Casual Dubber

28 posts · joined Oct 2009 ·

#777190
I had the wiring checked by an auto electrtician and it's all good, it can only be the switches which have corroded when the car was off the road for a few years, The brakes work fine just the first inch or so of travel - until the pedal gives pressure - does not activate the lights.

I will get the wheel off and have another go at the weekend.

Thanks

Scott
1970 - 1500 single port typ 1
Yarraville

66brm Seriously Crusin Dubber

140 posts · joined Nov 2009 ·

#777438
Scott, the brake light switch is a pressure activated switch, the lights won't illuminate until you feel pressure in the system