billh Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 The brake switch (mechanical type on an 02 car) has stopped working, the main question is, is it repairable or should I just bin it. It can be persuaded to work by flicking it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F355GTS Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 Bill you could try lubricating it but I think they are only a few quid from Caterham Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V7 SLR Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 Definitely repairable but WARNING, you need to read all of this before starting: Carefully lever off the base panel. There is a spring behind it so as soon as the base panel is free, if unrestrained it will fly. Mine ended up in RatRace's van amongst a million other items and after a hour's searching, we found it. Remove the gubbins and clean off the carbon deposits. Lightly lubricate and reassemble. The cause of those carbon deposits is from the switch arcing. You need to make sure that the switch is in the OFF position when your foot is OFF the pedal but as soon as you press the pedal the switch is FULLY ON. Most people have it the other way round, meaning it takes a good press to make the switch (ON). This leads to brake lights flickering or not working at all. By positioning the switch so that it only takes a small movement to switch the brake lights on, you will ensure a clean switch-on and reduce arcing. Mine gunked up with carbon deposits after a few months but since sorting it properly it's managed several years with no further problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billh Posted September 8, 2004 Author Share Posted September 8, 2004 Thanks guys (especially the spring tip). I figure they're cheap and plan to order one tomorrow, but I'm going to Llandow on Saturday so I figured a back up plan would be good. Cheers Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billh Posted September 8, 2004 Author Share Posted September 8, 2004 *thumbup*All back together and working again. I see what you mean by arcing: one of the contacts is almost worn away ❗ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve-B Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 its a 5 minute job once a month to save a pint or 2 being in your gullet for the tiny amount of work involved to make sure you have lights Steve B Big Black Beast^3 USA 2005: How the West Was Driven Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bongomania Posted September 8, 2004 Share Posted September 8, 2004 had this problem too and did the same fix with some emery paper. Seven-Ecstasy.co.uk How's My Driving? Call 1800-BITE-ME Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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