JohnG Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 All My brake lights stopped working this weekend. The fuse is good. Bulbs are good Tail lights work I have checked all the earth (body) connections I can find in the boot and cleaned / vaselined I have the brake light switch out and checked with a test light; it is working However, the switch looks old and feels fragile so I plan to replace it. I plan to buy Lucas or Intermotor, unless the forum suggests otherwise. . . . . suggestions? But . . . where else can I look for a resolution to the 'no brake lights' problem All advice gratefully received Quote Link to post Share on other sites
paul7 Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Hi When mine packed up I was advised to fit a steel one instead of the plastic type (which are not very robust) Others will advise but I think it was from a BMW or Mercedes. Straight swop and far better build quality. Got mine of Ebay. Paul Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Seek the words Brake Switch BMW in this forum and you shall find the one we are going over to. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brake-Light-Switch-BMW-3-Series-E30-E21-Volvo-240-940-850-760-740-240-/230958745598?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35c636c7fe Cheers Peter W Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Damson6 Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 The bulb holders can give problems with the earths , one on the side of the bulb holder to bulb, and an earth on the rim of the bulb holder to the lamp, soldering usually cures it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Hi John, eventually the TRiumph switch will die but not without a struggle. Mine had me running round in circles, checking volts here, continuity there (you have done volts and continuity!!) The BMW switch the Peter has posted is one of a few that work very well. I have that one. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG Posted August 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 (edited) OK That's the new switch ordered, thank you Paul & Pete Derek I'm a bit confused . . could you clarify just what you are saying for me please? I'm sure it's me . . been a heavy weekend so I gave spent a lot of time today, recycling wine bottles! Note Switch ordered Roger. Appro po all things in general, who discovers that a BMW (or, for that matter, any make) part fits a TR, and how do they do it? Unbelievably useful, but, how on earth . . . . . .? Edited August 17, 2015 by wjgco Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 I don't know if I was the first, probably not, but I found the BMW switch without the help of the forum. It's the dogs. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG Posted August 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Pete How? What sort of insight did you have? Is it magic? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Nah. Google and eBay. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Denis Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 I always disconnect mine after MOT's...why let (certain) people know you're braking? :-) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 You don't want the bulbs wearing out do you? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
graeme Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Hi John, I had problems with the earth tabs on the rear lights of my TR6. These photos show the mod I made to ensure good earths, presumably the same as Derek describes above. Cheers Graeme Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mike3739 Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 +1 Cheers Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG Posted August 17, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Graeme, Derek Ahhhhh . . . the light has just come on! Many thanks for the pictures, they are always a good idea when dealing with beginners and simpletons My only concern is that both brake lights went west together, but, both stop lights continue to work Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cew Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Hi John, I had problems with the earth tabs on the rear lights of my TR6. These photos show the mod I made to ensure good earths, presumably the same as Derek describes above. Cheers Graeme + 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jean Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 In fact the brake switch is a rather bristle item, and it works opposite to a normal switch what you push in to operate. on this one you release the switch pin by applying the brake pedal. If it's not falling apart or the contacts corroded/glazed you might cure the problem by adding some washers, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
peejay4A Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 (edited) When the standard switch fails and adjustment of the fixing nuts doesn't fix it then it goes in the bin. It's a truly awful cheap design. Edited August 18, 2015 by peejay4A Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cmdr19 Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 OK That's the new switch ordered, thank you Paul & Pete Derek I'm a bit confused . . could you clarify just what you are saying for me please? I'm sure it's me . . been a heavy weekend so I gave spent a lot of time today, recycling wine bottles! Note Switch ordered Roger. Appro po all things in general, who discovers that a BMW (or, for that matter, any make) part fits a TR, and how do they do it? Unbelievably useful, but, how on earth . . . . . .? BMW own the Triumph name so its only right that they make replacement parts for our cars. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Bulb holders with a combined earth terminal rather than 'hope it earths through the lamp' system have been available for years. We found them on the Hillman Avenger so time ago..... Try Tex for them http://texautomotive.com/classic_electrical.html Stag , Spitfire, GT6 used similar bulb holders on their range Peter W Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks Peter Enquiry sent for holders for the back of the car complete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG Posted August 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 (edited) All Tex came back to me quickly "Bulb holders with a combined earth terminal rather than 'hope it earths through the lamp' system have been available for years. We found them on the Hillman Avenger so time ago..... Try Tex for them http://texautomotive.com/classic_electrical.html" However, it's a pity they have none of the double pole E99996 available ain't it always the way! Now on the hunt for an alternative source or 2 Edited August 19, 2015 by wjgco Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG Posted August 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2015 Seek the words Brake Switch BMW in this forum and you shall find the one we are going over to. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brake-Light-Switch-BMW-3-Series-E30-E21-Volvo-240-940-850-760-740-240-/230958745598?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35c636c7fe Cheers Peter W Bought this, unfortunately it switches in the wrong direction; Press in to close Release to open Are you sure this is a good replacement? Do I have a duff switch? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted August 22, 2015 Report Share Posted August 22, 2015 Yep - wrong operation. The switch I have looks the same as that but is push to open, release to close. Intermotor part number 51690 on the box. Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnG Posted August 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 22, 2015 Rob That looks like the baby The one I have is boxed as an FAE 24150, which, according to the FAE site, is, like the Intermotor unit, NC However, the switch inside the box is NO Supply chain issues I reckon, but, it's of no use to me, I just want a robust switch I have asked the supplier to let me have a tested part . . . . now I just have to wait. Hey ho . . . . . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DaveN Posted August 22, 2015 Report Share Posted August 22, 2015 That switch is nearly half the price direct from eurocarparts compared to eBay.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.