brake lights failed

[steve dace]

just got a m plate chimera 4 ltr hc on the weekend and today the bloody brake lights stopped working! im new to tvrs so could anyone please give me some pointers where to look for the problem? ive checked bulbs and fuses and dont know where else to look! help me please!

[UpTheIron]

Steve,

I've had this happen (at least) twice to me on my TVR's

Check:

1. The brake light switch (in the drivers footwell).

2. The connections in the bodywork behind the passenger seat behind the "inspection flap" - see here: www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=61767&f=8&h=0&hw=lights

Oh, and welcome to both PH and TVR ownership.

Cheers
Paul (and currently a broken Chimaera 450)

[steve dace]

thanks paul, much appreciated! ill be sure to check the switch and loom first thing! im missing driving it already! cheers

[squirrelz]

If it's the switch they're not expensive, but you can just take it apart and clean the contacts.

[chimhunter]

The exact same thing happened to me the first week I had mine. The plastic switch on the brake pedal had gone, cracked in an unreparable place. Replacement cost under £4.

Rob

[Hairy Cornflake]

I also broke the microswitch on the brake pedal, replaced it with Ford part number 51500, a Capri part! Only a couple of pounds and a couple of minutes work.

[the dodger]

Had the same thing last summer. Checked the switch with a meter = OK. Followed all wiring with a meter right up to the bulbs and even checked both bulbs. Everything was OK. Turned out to be the switch in the end (intermittant) - got one from TMS within a week, about £4+ but since then old one has fixed itself so never got round to fitting it.

Note - position of switch critical. It has to be central over the brake pedal arm = only approx 3mm wide!