Brake lights K series Caterham

[james S]

Morning all

The brake lights are not working on my 1999 k series car. I have found a load of fuses under the passenger side of the dashboard, seemingly in 4 distinct blocks. Can anyone shed any lights on which one its likely to be and what ampage / colour.

any suggestions if it isn't the fuse?

Thanks all

[jeremyc]

james S said:

Morning all

The brake lights are not working on my 1999 k series car. I have found a load of fuses under the passenger side of the dashboard, seemingly in 4 distinct blocks. Can anyone shed any lights on which one its likely to be and what ampage / colour.

any suggestions if it isn't the fuse?

Thanks all

It's much more likely to be the switch behind the brake pedal.

In the engine compartment remove the cover over the pedal box and you'll see the switch mounted on a bracket behind the pedal.

Remove the switch and short out the two contacts in the connector to it to see if your lights come on.

If the switch appears to be faulty either replace, or wiggle it around having sprayed switch cleaner liberally into it.

In terms of fuses there is much more scope for variation in build: my wiring diagram shows that it could be fuse 1 for the brake lights.

[framerateuk]

james S said:

Morning all

The brake lights are not working on my 1999 k series car. I have found a load of fuses under the passenger side of the dashboard, seemingly in 4 distinct blocks. Can anyone shed any lights on which one its likely to be and what ampage / colour.

any suggestions if it isn't the fuse?

Thanks all

A common failure point is the brake light switch itself in the pedal box. They're known to fail quite often and it's a cheap fix to replace. I've never had to change mine but I keep a spare one in the car when we go touring just in case!

http://caterhamparts.co.uk/product.php?id_product=...

As far as the fuses go, I've got no idea sorry. They're known to shake themselves loose though so it might be worth giving the fuses and relays a gently push to make sure they're all still in contact.

[T1PAU]

More than likely the switch...upgrade to one of these
http://www.sevenspeed.co.uk/products/brake-light-s...

[BryanC]

Agreed - its most likely to be the switch. An easy job.

Changed my switch this weekend after a helpful Frenchman last week told me my blat to the ferry was without brake lights. ' Tres Dangereuse Monsieur '.
I had the above replacement switch at home and job now done.

The threaded section in the replacement is a bit shorter than the standard black plastic Caterham one ( since have cleaned those contacts as a spare ) but the new one still worked when fitted although I did wonder if I might have to unscrew the clevis on the brake pedal and adjust it up a bit more. Will watch that over time.

Just a tip - first fit the pedal box screws loosely and in the reverse order you took it to bits as they can be tricky to realign. Once all the screws are started then go ahead and tighten up. ( that's my hint cos I effectively had to do the job twice to put it back together ).

[james S]

What a helpful lot you are - spot on with the diagnosis and took 5 mins to fix

I'll order up another one

[Mellow7]

james S said:

What a helpful lot you are - spot on with the diagnosis and took 5 mins to fix

I'll order up another one

Better order 2. I'm on my 3rd! Was working as I left for my MOT, but not when tested. Nice.