Brake light switch
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 102
Likes: 18
From: Pembroke Pines, Fl
Brake light switch
I have replaced my brake light switch 3 times in 2 years and it is not working again. Last time I took it apart. Switch worked fine except that the contacts are getting dirty. Any idea as to why or how to prevent this? It is a PITA to get this switch out!!!
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
So, you think it is a quality issue or something else? Did all switches come from the same place? Maybe a high humidity issue with your location? IDK
Any open holes in the firewall that's allowing engine bay dirt in near the steering column / B.L. switch?
And that switch replacement job was truly in the top 5 worst jobs to do on a C3. I left part of my arm under the dash. Just couldn't get my arm out. Its still there.
Any open holes in the firewall that's allowing engine bay dirt in near the steering column / B.L. switch?
And that switch replacement job was truly in the top 5 worst jobs to do on a C3. I left part of my arm under the dash. Just couldn't get my arm out. Its still there.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Nov 4, 2019 at 09:43 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
Likes: 2,810
From: Cool Northern Michigan
H-m-m-m-m. Carbon? Are you running halogen or LED brake light bulbs by chance?
Carbon is an indicator of arcing. And arcing indicates a poor ground or a unusual draw on the contacts or maybe even a brake pedal that's constantly in between On & Off because of poor adjustment on the switch bracket. In other words the circuit is partly on, partly off, arcing. To rule this out, with car in dark garage and garage door closed, work the brake pedal and watch for flickering lights in the mirror.
Carbon is an indicator of arcing. And arcing indicates a poor ground or a unusual draw on the contacts or maybe even a brake pedal that's constantly in between On & Off because of poor adjustment on the switch bracket. In other words the circuit is partly on, partly off, arcing. To rule this out, with car in dark garage and garage door closed, work the brake pedal and watch for flickering lights in the mirror.
Last edited by HeadsU.P.; Nov 4, 2019 at 06:06 PM.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 357
Likes: 339
2018 C3 of Year Winner
I’m glad to hear this. I’m still in both physical therapy and mental therapy after changing mine. . There has to be an aftermarket part to help with this problem. It took two new parts after one broke (with a little help)
Any tips?
Any tips?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 102
Likes: 18
From: Pembroke Pines, Fl
H-m-m-m-m. Carbon? Are you running halogen or LED brake light bulbs by chance?
Carbon is an indicator of arcing. And arcing indicates a poor ground or a unusual draw on the contacts or maybe even a brake pedal that's constantly in between On & Off because of poor adjustment on the switch bracket. In other words the circuit is partly on, partly off, arcing. To rule this out, with car in dark garage and garage door closed, work the brake pedal and watch for flickering lights in the mirror.
Carbon is an indicator of arcing. And arcing indicates a poor ground or a unusual draw on the contacts or maybe even a brake pedal that's constantly in between On & Off because of poor adjustment on the switch bracket. In other words the circuit is partly on, partly off, arcing. To rule this out, with car in dark garage and garage door closed, work the brake pedal and watch for flickering lights in the mirror.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 102
Likes: 18
From: Pembroke Pines, Fl
I am 5' 8" 150lbs and it is a pain to get that son of a gun out. I remove the drivers seat. 4 bolts and alot easier to contort into pedal box.
