Electrical

Post by **67trav** » Tue Sep 02, 2003 8:56 pm

Sounds like you've got a stuck brake light switch. It is a (fairly simple) replacement job as I remember. Not too onerous if you've got the suitable spanners. Unless anyone can say to the contrary, the brakes will require a bleed too as replacement necessitates opening the brake lines.

Post by **mrclion** » Tue Sep 02, 2003 9:53 pm

this might sound daft but had the same problem but was accompanied with the brakes sticking on, turned out to be the front wheel cylinders not retracting therefor the pressure remained in the pipes and the lights stayed on.

Post by **Kevin** » Tue Sep 02, 2003 9:54 pm

Its at a high point in the system and is possible to change without bleeding the brakes, just top it up at the union before fitting the new switch, be careful not to spill any fluid and keep a cloth underneath.

Post by **57traveller** » Wed Sep 03, 2003 8:36 am

Following on from Kevin's post, I did read somewhere that raising the front of the car before removal ensures that the switch is well above the rest of the system and further reduces the necessity for bleeding afterwards.

Post by **Willie** » Wed Sep 03, 2003 6:50 pm

Yes that is all good advice and should remove the need
to bleed the system afterwards,as long as you re fit the
new one very quickly! BUT be careful when you unscrew
the old one. The brass union needs to be prevented from
turning as you undo the switch because it could strain the
brake unions or even rip out of the floor. You can quickly
establish if the switch is faulty or the trouble is caused by
residual pressure by getting someone to watch the
illuminated brake lights while you loosen a bleed screw.
If letting some fluid out doesn't put the lights out then the
switch is faulty.

Post by **Chris Morley** » Wed Sep 03, 2003 11:45 pm

I have managed to buy a new stop light switch for
13 quid!!

Err.. how much? This is the price from East Sussex Minors...
CBS127 Brake Light Switch (Screw Connectors) 6.75 + VAT
CBS128 Brake Light Switch (Lucar Connectors) 4.20 +VAT

This is why I always suggest to new posters that they get a parts list from a mail order specialist like ESM or Bull Motif.

P.S. - to prevent the 3-way union twisting I used a bit of wood wedged between it and the front panel.

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Sep 05, 2003 10:25 am

Hi its just one of the reasons for belonging to the owners club, as within the magazine there are quite a few traders with adverts at club prices