Brake Light Switches Again!

[MoggyTech]

I'm begining to think the various brands of brake light switches for the Moggy all come from the same production point, probably Bodge It And Flog It Ltd.

Today I noticed the switch I fitted 2 months ago, had gone the same way as the previous two, in that you need to stand on the brakes pedal to get the lights to work. So I have now fitted a micro-switch beside the brake pedal inside the car.

I cut the old switches open, and the terminal contact that is live when the brakes are off has gone black, while the other terminal contact is fine. Looks like oxidation due to different metals for the contact plate and terminal contact pips.

Just thought I'd mention this again, as if your brake lights don't work, you might get rear ended.

[Stig]

I had one pack up after about 4 months so I contacted the supplier and they sent me a replacement. I then returned the faulty part so that they could throw it at the manufacturer. If we all did that then maybe the manufacturer would get the message.

Anyone know if MG owners have the same trouble? - the switch is the same as on a Midget. I'd imagine that it's the same dodgy manufacturer but if not there's an MG spares place not too far from me.

[Rob_Jennings]

same for MG and the older mini I guess, so perhaps those spares outfits are selling better parts? might be worth a try

[MoggyTech]

same for MG and the older mini I guess, so perhaps those spares outfits are selling better parts? might be worth a try

I think it's just one of those new parts = cac things. On eof the switches that failed was stamped 'Made In Italy' This was rom my local motor factors. The other two are just number stamped, both from one of the major Moggy suppliers.

I was going to try the Landrover switch, but the microswitch modification is working great. It's inside the car so it's not subjected to road crud, and it activates just when the brake pedal slack is taken up. So handy for getting tail-gaters to back off

[kennatt]

had several mgb and all had same problem change over to micro switch can be fitted with a bit of thought to most cars.One benefit is that the lights come on as soon as you touch the pedal without a delay as the pressure switch has

[Matt]

I have never had a problem...

Having said that I have 3 intermotor switches that were probably made late 80's/early 90s

[ColinP]

Well, Ive just done the annual replacement of the pressure switch...

I've also invested in a pair of LED side/brake "bulbs" for the rear.

The hope is that the lower current will cause less arcing in the switch which will lead to longer life (I'll report if & when anything happens!).

I've noticed that the LEDs seem brighter as rear lights, and have a sharper "on" that the old filament types when braking.

Have fun

Colin

[overider]

Apparently, the brake light switch to buy is made by Quinton Hazel, the same as those fitted to Series Land Rovers. Hope this helps

[MoggyTech]

Apparently, the brake light switch to buy is made by Quinton Hazel, the same as those fitted to Series Land Rovers. Hope this helps

Definately the way to go if you don't fit a mechanical microswitch. I find all QH products are great.

[Pascal]

So I have now fitted a micro-switch beside the brake pedal inside the car.

Hi MoggyTech,

Can you give details about how you fitted the microswitch beside the pedal inside the car? I initially looked around the pedal axle but it wouldn't last long under the car. Fitting it inside looks a much better option but I couldn't find anywhere to attach the switch to. Pictures would be great.

Apparently my pressure switch has died and with my MOT due in a week's time I need a quick fix. From the various threads on the subject it looks like the microswitch will be a more reliable option than trying to tinker with the pressure switch.

Regards

[bmcecosse]

First check the wiring - take the two wires off the switch and touch them together - does that bring the lights on ? Could very well just be dirty connections down at the switch - try cleaning everything.

[Pascal]

Done all that - I think the pressure switch had it. After reading all the pain with pressure switches I decided to add a microswitch on the pedal as it will probably be more reliable.

I've got a microswitch with roller from Maplin, made a small bracket to fix it to the floor under the pedal with the roller down. I've run two wires from the pressure switch through the bulkhead to the pedal and voila.

Works like a dream. See below some pictures.

   

Regards