Handbrake Switch Power

[paulie_irl]

Hi

have been having a few problems with the dreaded brake light switch on my 01 Galaxy, got the flashing coil and replaced the brake light switch which  did not do anything but I noticed the handbrake light was not working, took out the handbrake switch and tested the switch and its ok but there is no power going to the switch, I have looked for a fuse or relay gone and cant find anything

 

it driving me nuts does anyone have any idea where to look!!!

[BigDog]

I don't think that would cause the problem - may not be related.

 

One side of the handbrake switch goes to earth via a couple of junctions, I believe one of these can cause problems if damp gets into it (under passenger seat, via a leaking rear screen washer pipe junction on the A pillar?) and the other side goes to the dash panel insert.  Since the dash panel has an ECU integrated, rather than a "dumb" bunch of bulbs and gauges directly connected to things, then it's likely to only use the switch to control a digital input to a microcontroller, and depending on the internal pull-up resistance and the method of measurement, you may not have been able to measure the voltage on the dash side of the switch.  Use a digital voltmeter, these are high-resistance so you should see a few volts. Attached is hopefully the right schematic. Take a look at F9 on page 8.

 

For your original problem, are your brake lights working or not, now you have replaced the foot-brake switch? Re-check fuse 5 and possibly you have a break in the wiring inside the rubber gaiter of the tailgate - see the FAQ section.

Matt

Basic equipment - Sharan.pdf

[paulie_irl]

Thanks BigDog! checked out wiring loom in tailgate on right hand side (drivers) broken red/white wire and exposed earth wire, spliced wired and now are brakes working and no flashing coil!!!

 

yahooo! thanks for the advice

 

Paul