Help! Pre-Holiday Problem!

[ric220]

Hi all. Sods law, my '99 Sharan 1.8t auto has no brake lights and we're off camping in France Thursday first thing! Before you all groan and say "check for frayed wires in the tailgate boot", I replaced all of them a year ago and they're fine!

So, the auto gearbox won't go into drive unless I stamp on the brake pedal twice. This releases the gearbox switch and I can move into drive / reverse fine. I know the 'box gets its signal to allow the lever to move from the brake lights (ie brake needs to be on before it'll allow the lever to move). At the same time there are no brake lights at all EXCEPT as soon as I've stamped on the pedal. The lights all work fine UNTIL I release the brake pedal and reapply it, when there's nothing. I've read comments re the brake light switch being dodgy but other posts saying that's not the issue. So can anyone help?? At the moment I'm not sure we can take the car abroad and I'm desperate! With any advice specific names of parts needed and whether ford or vw would be appreciated. Many thanks all! Richard

[daddyfixit]

brake light switch is faulty then............

[ric220]

Thanks Daddyfixit but wd need much more info. What's the part, where is it located, how do I fit it? Cheers

[ric220]

Ps gsf have it in stock but according to the pictures it's black but I've read it should be the revised green version? Thanks

[BrianH]

From the FAQ section at the top of this forum

 

http://www.fordgalaxy.org.uk/ford/index.php?/topic/8351-fitting-a-new-brake-light-switch/&do=findComment&comment=63453

[BrianH]

And if you want to confirm its faulty theres a good chance vcds will be saying brake light switch implausable signal. Though for the cost of the switch and the time factors you have involved I'd swap it to confirm.

[ric220]

Much appreciated all. I'll dive into the dashboard tomorrow morning. If it doesn't work I'll dive into something deeper...

[ric220]

Ps before I try this can I just confirm the switch has NO effect on the actual operation of the brakes?

[BrianH]

No it's for the lights only. The brakes would still have to work by manual operation either way.

[ric220]

Excellent thanks. My local factors have the 2 pin version in stock but not the green 4 pin. Anyone know which I need?

[ric220]

Panic over! Switch replaced, lights working! It was the 2 pin. Was a bugger to fit only because it took me a while to realise I needed the engine running otherwise the pedal didn't sink far enough for the plunder to go in. Otherwise dead easy! Many thanks all for your posts!

[ric220]

Crap. Not working. Worked perfectly for 5 mins now not at all,even with stamping on pedal (which always got the gearbox switch to release at least). Checked fuse (no 20?) and that's fine. Any suggestions? Thanks.

[BrianH]

Theres supposed to be some adjustment you can make on the pedal (i haven't had to look at mine so this is based on the post i linked to earlier) that alters the way the switch is pushed down. First things first check the switch operates when you push it by hand if possible (you may need someone to assist you to see if this brings the lights on reliably, or the use of a mirror or wall to see the reflection). If the lights come on like that then you know it must need either adjusting in some way to operate correctly

 

If not then either the switch is at fault (it doesn't work) or its looking like a wiring issue to do with that switch

[ric220]

R Edited July 29, 2015 by ric220

[gregers]

iirc you pull the plunger down to set it?or adjust it?

[ric220]

All sorted. The initial replacement switch was duff. Next one fine. Didn't need adjusting (in fact there is no adjustment on the 2 pin ones). France here we come (thankfully via newhaven not Dover!)! Thanks very much all.