Technical Brake light switch location

[Mad Hatter]

When checking the lights on my caravan I noticed that the brake lights were not working. I then checked the car and none of those were working either . Ah, must be the fuse thought I, but no that was fine. So that leaves the brake light switch (unless you know better), but after a quick search the switch has remained somewhat aloof, so could some kind person point me in the right direction please.

 

[demag]

Err they are usually on a bracket near the top of the brake pedal. This usually means getting in the car upside down with your head by the pedals so you can see up under the dash. A small torch will be very useful.

Now then, years ago brake lights were operated by pressure switches plumbed into the brake hydraulics, but I haven't seen one of those since the seventies. And for something completely different, my Citroen Xm which departed to make way for the Multi had the brake switch incorporated into the pedal itself. The switch was part of the pedal rubber and was very reliable and also very sensitive. The giveaway was the cable clipped to the pedal arm.

Enjoy!!

 

[SGThirkell]

I'll agree with that, it's operated by the pedal itself, other side of the pivot point and spring, right up inside the footwell.
Don't get a nose bleed hanging upside down

 

[Mad Hatter]

Many thanks for that, I was looking on the hydraulics, so shows how long since I've done this. I found the switch without a problem (one of the easiest dashboards I've grovelled under), and it was indeed causing the problem. But for the life of me I cannot remove the darn thing, it seems to be a bayonet type fitting with a raised locking lug; any pointers please.

 

[pig]

This attached image is from the workshop CD. It says to use a spanner on the flats on the switch to rotate the whole thing through about 60 degrees.
hth
Neil

 

[demag]

Pig, you mean you got the cd to WORK!!!?:slayer:

 

[johne]

Once you've twisted the switch out, hopefully without breaking too many of the lugs, you can dismantle the switch , IIRC by unclipping the 'lid' of the switch (and catch all the springs and plates if they fall out). Then you can clean up the contacts/plunger and put it all back together. Well, it worked for me on my 53 plate.
john.

 

[Mad Hatter]

Many thanks for all the help, easy when you know how .
As it turned out there was nothing wrong with the switch, it turns out that my brother-in-law knocked it out of adjustment when he was messing about under the dash a few weeks ago. So a quick readjustment and all is fine.

BTW does anyone know why there is a similar switch on the clutch peddle and if its adjustment is important, as I think I may have knocked this one out of adjustment ?

 

[demag]

That's a new one on me! I wonder if its to do with engine speed when changing gear?

 

[MultiMan110]

BTW does anyone know why there is a similar switch on the clutch peddle and if its adjustment is important, as I think I may have knocked this one out of adjustment ?

On a bike they have a switch on the clutch to prevent you starting whilst in gear (unless the clutch lever is pulled in), this may work along similar lines.

 

[Mad Hatter]

On a bike they have a switch on the clutch to prevent you starting whilst in gear (unless the clutch lever is pulled in), this may work along similar lines.

From experience I know that this is not what it does

 

[dwbr22387]

hi guys,
would this be for 'cruise' control....dont know if they are available for multipla but sensors on all peddles for these I think
regards
don