Brake Lights

[gonte]

I have lost the rear brake and reverse lights on my mk1 Tuscan. I have looked on the fuse layout and it says these are on the same fuse. I have checked the fuse and I have power to both sides of it and the lamps are ok. So this is the limit of my expertise. Anyone got any advise or failing that a good Auto electrician in the Watford area.

Thanks in advance

[kg55]

I assume the tail lights and rear fog work ok. The most likely fault is the cable from the fuse to the brake and reverse switches has broken ( usually in a connector due to rust/dirt on the pins). Its not hard to repair but you will need a multimeter ( or a lamp and some cable)to help find the problem. Make sure you have 12v at the fuse before starting ( both sides)

[gonte]

Yes I've got 12v at both sides of the fuse. Tail and fog ok. Any idea where the connector is or is it a game of chase the cable?

[Tuscanuwe]

Check also the next 3 fuses up and down, i had same and fuse described
in handbook was not the correct one as in fuse box!
My fault was the switch for reverse lamp, was broken, has given short circut, replaced with a one from Golf 3, small adjustments, now all o.k!

Uwe

[kg55]

Sorry no idea you will have to trace it from the fuse

[gonte]

Thanks all I did notice the fuse two up was blown but it is down as a spare. I will go and change it now. Where is the brake switch located ( I know it might seem a stupid question but it is a TVR! )

[NCE 61]

The brake light switch is behind the metal pedal cover.

[Tuscanuwe]

gonte said:

Thanks all I did notice the fuse two up was blown but it is down as a spare. I will go and change it now. Where is the brake switch located ( I know it might seem a stupid question but it is a TVR! )

After changing the spare, in my case it was "not" the spare it was the one for Brake/Reverse lights, check first brake lights. Then check if fuse is blown when not brake light circut is o.k., second check reverse light, if then fuse is blown you have to check reverse light switch and cables.
Better to do with a second person who can check lights while you are pressing
the pedal, if it is very quiet around you can also hear the fuse blow!
If both (Brake and reverse lamp)are not working it must be the fuse first! That both circuts are broken is neary impossible!

Uwe

[gonte]

So I started with the brake lights first and traced the cable from the lights back to the fuse board and found no problems. Eventually checked the microswitch behind the pedal. After half and hour of auto origami folding myself into various contortions I removed it and found the problem, a faulty switch.

Second problem, the Reverse light. Now you would think I would check the switch first wouldn't you, but surely lightning cant strike twice. Another hour of chase the cable and you gessed it the bloody switch again.

Found a micro switch in RS that should do and I think the reverse switch is Ford.

I'll post the part numbers when all is working again in case anyone needs them in the future

Steve

[kg55]

Unlucky there steve. Just a thought but i have a pressure switch for the brake lights on my race car instead.It may be worth considering as an alternative

[S6 Devil]

gonte said:

Found a micro switch in RS that should do and I think the reverse switch is Ford.

I'll post the part numbers when all is working again in case anyone needs them in the future

Steve

Do you have the part number for the brake switch that you used, mine seems to be faulty! Thanks

[x 7usc]

gonte said:

So I started with the brake lights first and traced the cable from the lights back to the fuse board and found no problems. Eventually checked the microswitch behind the pedal. After half and hour of auto origami folding myself into various contortions I removed it and found the problem, a faulty switch.

Second problem, the Reverse light. Now you would think I would check the switch first wouldn't you, but surely lightning cant strike twice. Another hour of chase the cable and you gessed it the bloody switch again.

Found a micro switch in RS that should do and I think the reverse switch is Ford.

I'll post the part numbers when all is working again in case anyone needs them in the future

Steve

intersted to hear how you get on with the reverse light solution, mine has only ever worked about four times in two years and always just after having it "fixed"

[S6 Devil]

kg55 said:

Unlucky there steve. Just a thought but i have a pressure switch for the brake lights on my race car instead.It may be worth considering as an alternative

Could you tell me what switch you used and where I could get one? Is it an easy install?
Many thanks, Mike

[asrovak]

x 7usc said:

gonte said:

So I started with the brake lights first and traced the cable from the lights back to the fuse board and found no problems. Eventually checked the microswitch behind the pedal. After half and hour of auto origami folding myself into various contortions I removed it and found the problem, a faulty switch.

Second problem, the Reverse light. Now you would think I would check the switch first wouldn't you, but surely lightning cant strike twice. Another hour of chase the cable and you gessed it the bloody switch again.

Found a micro switch in RS that should do and I think the reverse switch is Ford.

I'll post the part numbers when all is working again in case anyone needs them in the future

Steve

intersted to hear how you get on with the reverse light solution, mine has only ever worked about four times in two years and always just after having it "fixed"

Ditto !