Tim T Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 Went out in the 3a today in the beautiful sunshine. Whilst stopped at lights the driver of the car behind told me that my brake lights were not working. Having had a very swift look at all connections I cannot see anything obviously amiss. I suspect the switch. So my question is in order to test the switch can I just put a link wire across the two terminals and see if the lights then work. If that is the case and the switch is at fault is it an item that can be opened and cleaned up? Many thanks, Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fireman049 Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 (edited) . Edited April 16, 2020 by Fireman049 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 (edited) Yes test by linking the the two wires together at the switch. Today's replacement hydraulic brake switches are stated to be of poor quality and do not last. My own replacement switch failed so I simply fitted a mechanical switch (from a BMW/Mercedes) up at the master cylinder - like the one Tom has pictured above. You will then not have to disturb the hydraulic circuit. The cables are long enough to reach, so no wiring mods required. Cheers Peter W PS This switch type https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Pin-White-Housing-Intermotor-Brake-Light-Switch-Rear-Safety-Genuine-OE-Quality-/191419280982?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%C2%A0 Bracket to be created see here https://www.tr-register.co.uk/group/devon/social-report/2016/12/0590/In-the-Garage-Christmas-Edition More reading on this old subject. https://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/62260-brake-light-hydrauliqueelectrique-switch/?hl=%2Bbrake+%2Blight+%2Bswitch Edited August 5, 2018 by BlueTR3A-5EKT Quote Link to post Share on other sites
YOW500 Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 Plus 1. Fitted one of Tom's. Russell Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 Plus 2 They are described as "BMW" but certainly not OE on one ! however they seem to be well made. I fitted one when my original hydraulic one failed, so it's not just the repros. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brake-Light-Switch-Plastic-2-Pin-Type-Fits-BMW-3-5-6-7-Series-M3-M5-ERA-330046/302334205067?hash=item466485dc8b:g:3vAAAOSwb39bDpYv Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 (edited) The issue of In The Garage which Peter has linked to shows fitting to a TR4. Fitting the switch to a 3a is only a little more complicated and is covered here: https://www.tr-register.co.uk/group/devon/social-report/2017/10/0855/In-the-Garage-Autumn-Edition Edited August 5, 2018 by Drewmotty Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 Or you do it this way: Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D Posted August 5, 2018 Report Share Posted August 5, 2018 +1 for what Bob did. An easy fix (I think I had to drill out the hole a bit) and the BMW switch that I bought looks a lot more soild than the plastic ones I've had on other cars before. Charlie. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Vincent Posted August 6, 2018 Report Share Posted August 6, 2018 What's the difference between Tom and Bob's solutions? Why not +1 for what Tom did, he posted first? Rgds Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Charlie D Posted August 6, 2018 Report Share Posted August 6, 2018 Apologies Tom. Can I say “+2” for you… It was simply that when I saw Bob’s post he said: “…Or you do it this way:…” I had not seen Tom’s post, so assumed that Bob’s was different. Charlie. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted August 6, 2018 Report Share Posted August 6, 2018 I also forgot that Tom did his the same way (& probably before I did mine !) I was just reacting to the complicated way shown in the previous post . Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted August 6, 2018 Report Share Posted August 6, 2018 What's happen to "EDIT" ? I was going to add that yes, you do have to open up the hole to take the new switch. Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted August 6, 2018 Report Share Posted August 6, 2018 When I modified my 3a I chose to retain the pedal adjustment. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TorontoTim Posted August 6, 2018 Report Share Posted August 6, 2018 What's happen to "EDIT" ? I was going to add that yes, you do have to open up the hole to take the new switch. Bob. Hi Bob (and All), Wayne has temporarily disabled "edit" because of a serious discussion going on elsewhere on the Forum. Unfortunately, edit cannot be disabled in either a specific thread or section of the Forum (the software doesn't provide that facility) - it has to be the whole Forum. I'm happy to make any edits you need - moderators still have the facility. Let me know. Cheers, Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim T Posted August 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2018 Many thanks for all the input as usual. Job done courtesy of a £5 Volvo switch from my local car accessory shop. Many thanks, Tim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted August 7, 2018 Report Share Posted August 7, 2018 One thing to be careful of when fitting a switch like that on a sidescreen car is to make sure that the master cylinder returns completely to rest otherwise you will find the brakes sticking on slightly. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tim T Posted August 7, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2018 Have just checked that now and all is good. Thanks for pointing it out though. Tim 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.