Brake lights not working
Discussion
At the hampshire meet yesterday it was pointed out my brake lights are not working (neither side). I have read through the bible and there is little on the subject in there. I spent yesterday afternoon in the footwell and cannot see any faults - the wires are all intact and connected ok. Have checked the mickey mouse escort bulb holders which seem ok (they were replaced not so long ago) and gave them a little emery board to ensure good contact. still no joy.
unfortunately it got dark last night without me finding the problem. Can anyone point me in the right direction as limited daylight working hours Monday to Frdiay!
many thanks all.
unfortunately it got dark last night without me finding the problem. Can anyone point me in the right direction as limited daylight working hours Monday to Frdiay!
many thanks all.
You've been driving faster than light? 
Sorry Shnozz - not helpful I know. Have you located the earthing point for the rear of the car and checked that it has good contact with the chassis. I would have thought this the most likely problem. I believe HarryW has recent experience of this wonderful facet of S ownership, and may be able to point you in the right direction.
Cheers
Graham
Sorry Shnozz - not helpful I know. Have you located the earthing point for the rear of the car and checked that it has good contact with the chassis. I would have thought this the most likely problem. I believe HarryW has recent experience of this wonderful facet of S ownership, and may be able to point you in the right direction.
Cheers
Graham
Shnozz... the Escort derived rear lights have a couple of issues. The first (as pointed out already) is the sometimes dodgy earth (this was an issue on the Escort's too!), but the contacts are also a problem.
Check that the contacts are clean (which I think you've done) but also that the contacts have not come away from the bulbs holder - also an issue.
Check that the contacts are clean (which I think you've done) but also that the contacts have not come away from the bulbs holder - also an issue.
Podie said: Shnozz... the Escort derived rear lights have a couple of issues. The first (as pointed out already) is the sometimes dodgy earth (this was an issue on the Escort's too!), but the contacts are also a problem.
Check that the contacts are clean (which I think you've done) but also that the contacts have not come away from the bulbs holder - also an issue.
cheers Paul - actually have taped the contacts to the holders to ensure a good contact - all other lights work ok. another vote for an earthing problem then!
Er No. If Brake light and Indicators come on at same time - earthing problem. If no Brake lights only -> juice not getting to them. The shared return (earth) with tail/indicator must be okay for them to work. So do you get juice (+ve volts) at the connector? If yes it's the connector we know and love, if no juice, then it's further up stream - the brake light switch, not sure where on S, near pedal at a guess? Can be a just a microswitch; which needs cleaning/adjusting.
shnozz said- all other lights work ok. another vote for an earthing problem then!
David
David - been down to look at the car - brain clicked into gear and thought the earth would be shared with the tail lights which are ok.
hmm - havent got a voltimeter to test supply at the bulb connectors. will have to have another look at the pedal end and try and take out the switch to clean/adjust/re-fit. bloody difficult whilst stuck in office until after dark each day. day off required me thinks.........
many thanks for your help
PS - really enjoyed yesterdays meet. shame some numpties prevented us parking up together in the car park but really good bunch, nice pub and weather to sit outside.
hmm - havent got a voltimeter to test supply at the bulb connectors. will have to have another look at the pedal end and try and take out the switch to clean/adjust/re-fit. bloody difficult whilst stuck in office until after dark each day. day off required me thinks.........
many thanks for your help
PS - really enjoyed yesterdays meet. shame some numpties prevented us parking up together in the car park but really good bunch, nice pub and weather to sit outside.
thanks Rod - been down at lunchtime to try and sort it out.
right - removed the button unit from abovethe pedal and tried it on the handbrake - nothing. nada. useless. can someone tell me where i can buy a new unit? i assume this was the initial problem giving me no brake lights. I currently have no warning light re the handbrake
then took off handbrake unit to use it on the foot brake in the meantime. plugged it in and now - bingo 1 brake light!?? why only 1 light!!!!!! 2 must have been working until recently as the MOT was only a fortnight ago and nobody has said anything to me!
tried bulbs etc and not them - does anyone have any idea why the handbrake unit would only then work 1 side brake lights???? never simple is it
>> Edited by shnozz on Tuesday 25th February 14:31
>> Edited by shnozz on Tuesday 25th February 14:37
right - removed the button unit from abovethe pedal and tried it on the handbrake - nothing. nada. useless. can someone tell me where i can buy a new unit? i assume this was the initial problem giving me no brake lights. I currently have no warning light re the handbrake
then took off handbrake unit to use it on the foot brake in the meantime. plugged it in and now - bingo 1 brake light!?? why only 1 light!!!!!! 2 must have been working until recently as the MOT was only a fortnight ago and nobody has said anything to me!
tried bulbs etc and not them - does anyone have any idea why the handbrake unit would only then work 1 side brake lights???? never simple is it
>> Edited by shnozz on Tuesday 25th February 14:31
>> Edited by shnozz on Tuesday 25th February 14:37
spent the evening sorting this - turned out the 1 light working was simply a coincidence as I first thought. Bloody sh
tty escort bulb holders. AGAIN! 1 new one required soon. For the meantime my trusty zip ties are holding it together
So now the handbrake switch is on the brake pedal and I have no handbrake light. Repeating my earlier question - where can I find a replacement switch? is it something you can buy from any old electrical store?? I have no idea where to get hold of one
tty escort bulb holders. AGAIN! 1 new one required soon. For the meantime my trusty zip ties are holding it together So now the handbrake switch is on the brake pedal and I have no handbrake light. Repeating my earlier question - where can I find a replacement switch? is it something you can buy from any old electrical store?? I have no idea where to get hold of one
Phil
Does it not have any manufacturers numbers on it anywhere. 
why not pop along to the auto spares place outside VT's main entrance and see what they make of it.
I'd be surprisd if the light cluster is fcuked if its fairly new, there's not much to go wrong with them apart from a sh*tty contact.
Harry
Does it not have any manufacturers numbers on it anywhere
. why not pop along to the auto spares place outside VT's main entrance and see what they make of it. I'd be surprisd if the light cluster is fcuked if its fairly new, there's not much to go wrong with them apart from a sh*tty contact.
Harry
Brakes - you great wuss, what are you like. Just use the pedal on the right and do away with the bulbs for the brake lights along with the rear view mirror - it'll go faster and who cares what's behind you.
Note: Neither PistonHeads or JSG accept any liability for any consequence arising from this potentially humerous post.
Note: Neither PistonHeads or JSG accept any liability for any consequence arising from this potentially humerous post.
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