Alternative Brake Light Switch

Alternative Brake Light Switch

Author
Discussion

S7Paul

Original Poster:

2,103 posts

234 months

Thursday 12th October 2017
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I’ve been getting a bit fed up with driving around, not knowing whether or not my brake lights are working. I’ve had the switch in bits a couple of times, after which it works again….for a while.

Last Sunday, I realised they weren’t working again, so decided to look for an alternative switch. I didn’t want to buy the OEM switch as it’s basically a cheap’n’nasty plastic item. Looking through all the brake light switches on eBay, I saw one that looked as if it would fit, so I risked the princely sum of £5 and ordered it.

It arrived yesterday, fits perfectly and works a treat. It’s largely of metal construction, so looks and feels much better made than the rubbish that TVR fitted. They seem to be supplied with either one or two retaining nuts. If you remove any nuts, fit the item through the mounting hole in the bracket, and then fit the nut(s), you’ll probably find it needs no adjustment (mine didn’t). It even has two spade terminals, so no wiring changes are required either.

If you need one for your car, search on eBay for “Switch 51690”. Most are shown with a short circular body – that’s the one you need.

GooseyZ4MC

12 posts

112 months

Tuesday 31st October 2017
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Is there any adjustability in the original switch? Mine is too sensitive and I’m activating the light when my throttle foot tickles the brake pedal.
Looks like the switch you recommend could have the sensitivity adjusted, so I’ll try that if not.
Cheers

phillpot

17,115 posts

183 months

Tuesday 31st October 2017
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GooseyZ4MC said:
Is there any adjustability in the original switch?
The original plastic switch, which seems to work fine in dozens of cars, should have two adjusting nuts just like the metal one Paul mentioned.

Failing that I'm sure the mounting bracket could be "tweaked" wink





An alternative would be to tee a hydraulic switch into one of the brake pipes ... scratchchin



Edited by phillpot on Tuesday 31st October 19:43