Brake light switch failure???

[clubsport]

I have a classic car that seems to get through brake light switches about every 18 months or so.

The master cylinder is in good condition and the brake switch screws into a "T" piece junction nearby, two spade electrical connections go off to light the bulbs.

If i touch the 2 wires together "bingo" the brake lights are instant.

Using the brake pedal, I only seem to get the brake lights to come on under severe braking, not the kind you would use in general town driving. The brakes work fine and discs/pads have 800 miles only.

In the past I have had scenarios where the brake switch has totally failed to pass a current with no lights working.You have no idea of this while driving as the brakes work well.

I think I have narrowed it down to the brake switch itself, but just about to put my 3rd replacement in in 4 years, I wondered if anyone had any ideas??

The car has run in silcon brake fluid for the last 10 years, didn' think this would make a difference to the functioning of the switch.

cheers.

[leorest]

Are they OEM or pattern parts? If the latter then that might be the problem. I have heard that the hydraulic actuated switches can be troublesome, especially under light breaking effort, but can't remember where I read that nugget.

[steve_D]

Ultima have hugely powerful brakes so require very little effort under 'town' braking. this results in a number of owners (self included) being accused of having no brake lights.
We have sourced new switches from hydraulic system specialists that are adjustable for pressure and work very well.
I can't find the supplier info at the mo but a search of the Ultima forum in the last year should find it for you.

Steve