Brake Lights

[wez_tdi]

Hi,

Just bought a galaxy (done a welcome topic too!)

 

Anyway, the brake lights dont work, the two brake lamp warning lights are illuminated on the dash, and the glow plug light is flashing also.

The guy I bought it off has put a new brake pedal switch in a few weeks ago and also replaced bulbs, but no joy.

 

Are there any other common places for the brake light wiring to fail, just looking for some pointers before I start pulling the thing apart.

It does have a tow bar fitted if that makes any difference.

 

Not sure if its related, but none of the interior lights work either (on any setting) - havent checked fuses for them though, 'tis dark now.

 

anyway, many thanks for any input.

[wez_tdi]

okay, just used the magical search box I just spotted.

seems to be two brake pedal switches, possible wiring fault in the rubber grommet to hatch and some connectors in the jack cubby hole that can cause problems...

will check these in daylight tomorrow...

[wez_tdi]

well found about 5 totally broken wires in the tailgate wiring grommet thingy, just as your faqs said :35:

 

but still need a brake switch I think. (green, 4 pin one)

If i take the switch apart with the electrical plug still attached (so only the rear part of the switch is doing anything) the brake lights work.

If i clip it all back together, the brake lights stop working, even if the switch is just hanging and not in the pedal bracket - the brake lights should still be on in this situation... if i then press the plunger on the switch, the fuse for the brake lights pops!

 

If i bridge pin 1 and pin 4 on the connector with a piece of wire (which is basically what the switch does) - the brake lights work fine.

 

I think something is earthing out within the switch but I cant see what... unless its the wrong one?

 

Anyway, will try get another tomorrow - where the cheapest place, ford, vw or seat? lol

 

cheers

[Mirez]

There are a couple of switch types so could be that. Normally seat are cheapest but its probably Ford that stand the best chance of looking up the part you need based on chassis / reg number

[cprob]

There are a couple of switch types so could be that. Normally seat are cheapest but its probably Ford that stand the best chance of looking up the part you need based on chassis / reg number

 

 

I have a related problem and would appreciate some pointers please; My brake lights work absolutely fine except the warning lights on the dash are always on when the headlights are on. If I turn the headlights off the warning lights go out .. but only after the brake pedal is pushed. It's been like this for years but it would be good to get it sorted. I'm thinking it's probably the warning light control module but before I replace it could it be anything else?

 

On a lighter note, my last MOT failed due to the brake lights not working at all. The garage said they had tested the switch etc and they couldn't fix it and that it would need an auto electrician as there must be something really wrong with the system. I checked it out, replaced the switch and everything was back to normal and working fine again (apart from those warning lights). The garage wasn't amused when I told them they had been testing the cruise control switch in error!!!!!!! :35: :) :lol:

 

Cheers,

Robin.

[shugsterc]

hi my lights were flicking on then off again when pressing the brake so i took the cowling off and noticed the connector was slack.i used a screwdriver to bend the 2 spade connectors at an angle so when the connector went on it was tight...work braw now...just fixed ma water leak as well as the drain was well blocked..all clean an flushed out..just got the seats out an carpet up as there was an inch o water onj the floor..mopped out an cleaned now..carpets gonna survive but underlay stuff stinks so once its all dry ill find somethin to use as sound deadning..havin a beer as the car sits outside in the sun an wind dryin off..lol...just the abs light to figure now an its all sorted ..

[cprob]

hi my lights were flicking on then off again when pressing the brake so i took the cowling off and noticed the connector was slack.i used a screwdriver to bend the 2 spade connectors at an angle so when the connector went on it was tight...work braw now...just fixed ma water leak as well as the drain was well blocked..all clean an flushed out..just got the seats out an carpet up as there was an inch o water onj the floor..mopped out an cleaned now..carpets gonna survive but underlay stuff stinks so once its all dry ill find somethin to use as sound deadning..havin a beer as the car sits outside in the sun an wind dryin off..lol...just the abs light to figure now an its all sorted ..

 

 

Thanks Shugs, I'll check the connector. When my ABS light was on it was a broken reluctor ring.

[shugsterc]

cheers the gal i have was sittin for over a year and the rear discs have a couple of scores so ill be changin them soon as they come and ill check the connectors later today..if the light still comes on ill sit in the garden wi another beer hehe and think about it...just givin the carpet time to dry will head out soon..wen i first noticed the wet carpet just after i washed it i was expectin to get the welder out an be puttin plates in the floor..glad this forum exhists as was an easy fix wen u know wots wot

[wez_tdi]

There are a couple of switch types so could be that. Normally seat are cheapest but its probably Ford that stand the best chance of looking up the part you need based on chassis / reg number

 

cheers mirez, i went and got one from VW as i was passing it.

[wez_tdi]

new switch in, brake lights working fine.

combination of broken switch and broken wires in tailgate... guy i bought it from will be kicking himself when i tell him what it was lol.

 

well that one thing off my list of many many things to fix.

 

Sticky drivers door central locking next... :35:

[gregers]

Sticky drivers door central locking next... :35:

 

probably doggie wiring again :)

[wez_tdi]

Possibly, but now have a bigger problem, just reared its head.... grr.