No brake lights!!

Its MOT time again for my MK1Cabby, so I decided to do a few basic checks of the lights. All are working ok, with the exception of the brake lights - dead as a dodo.    I have changed the fuse, and also tried new bulbs, but no success. Anyone got any ideas? Reading around kind of suggests it might be the brake switch - any tips/guides on how to replace it.

Thanks.

It comes out very easily indeed, just clips in at the pedal. You can see it if you contort yourself in the footwell. Eurocarparts do it or you can try VAG direct.

Do make sure the fuse isn't at fault though. You might have a temperamental fusebox like myself that likes to play games.

Tian :wink:

Thanks Tian - I will have a poke around. Luckily I only live about a mile from GSF who should be able to supply this. The thing that confuses me slightly is that the Haynes manual suggests that the brake switch is part of the brake master cylinder, sitting under the bonnet, so I am not sure what to do now.  :dontknow: Anyway, I have postponed the MOT so have a bit more time on my side now.

The brake switch is bolted to the side of the master cylinder on my car, and is activated by the fluid prssure and apparently they are very prone to failing. Very obvious if yours is, big round thing with wires connected to it.

I don't know if they changed to using a pedal switch on later cars, I've never had the opportunity to have a poke around one.

Mike.

My K reg has the one on the master cylinder and it failed last autumn.  Cant remember the price, but it didn't strike me as being expensive at the time.  From gsf I think.

This is all really great info - many thanks. Another question - when the brake switch is removed, does the brake fluid all drain out? Sorry for the dumb questions, but I am a bit of a novice at this stuff, and my manual doesnt tell me what happens when the switch is actually taken out. Thanks.

Unfortunitely yes, if you unbolt it from the side of the master cylinder I'm afraid you will loose some fluid, but more seriously you introduce air into the sealed part of the brake circuit.

It's therefore absolutely essential to do a full bleed of the brake system after changing it, no short cuts on this one I'm afraid.

Hope this helps,

Mike