Ocassional brake light failure - brake light switch?

[Pootle]

Twice now I've been approached at traffic ligths by the driver of the car behind me, "Your brake lights aren't working". But when I get home they seemed fine.

Checked them over today, cleaned the earth, bulbs, switch contacts etc. But once or twice they did indeed only come on when the engine was running and pedal pressed hard (they usually come on even without engine running).

Is this a normal failure mode for the brake light switch or should I look elsewhere?

many thanks

[Tug]

it be the brake light switch on the master cylinder bud..

Mine had the same problem a while ago..

Glenn.

[kit]

And me.

[Pootle]

The Haynes manual (see below, click for bigger pic) shows two switches in parallel, presumably for reliability. Since the brake lights are not working properly I guess both of them are faulty. Should I change them both?

It's easy to get to the one near the front, what about the one at the back?

[kit]

I think you just replace the one that is easy to get as the other one is for something else I think? There are several threads here about fitting and some very valuable advice I would recommend you read before undertaking the job.

[Pootle]

There are several threads here about fitting and some very valuable advice I would recommend you read before undertaking the job.

Heh - so THAT's what "Search" is for

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=98391" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=97931" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=85162" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=74349" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=77867" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=73643" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=73867" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=98403" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=98403" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Pootle]

Well, easy enough to change both switches. I took the speedo/clock binnacle off completely by whipping out all the switches, which was easy and very quick.

Removing the old switches needs a 22mm ring spanner or stubby spanner because there isn't much room. I managed to get a 22mm socket on the rear one, with a long extension bar from beneath the dash.

The ETKA part number is 113-945-515H for the 2-pin part. I needed two. VW parts are £19 each but Heritage had none in stock so I used GSF parts, £5 each.