Brake Light Problem

[scottspiess]

All

I have a strange one for you all. When I first turn on my Birkin, my brake lights work, but once I get underway, my brake lights stop working. Any ideas???? This has been tested several times and its 100% re-creatable.

Scott

[magnusfeuer]

Brake light switch that fails when it gets heated up?

[slomove]

The Birkin supplied pressure switch (mounted on the diff) is known to break. I put in an aftermarket low-threshold pressure switch and had not a problem since.

But just to make sure you should look with a volt meter if the switch is really the problem or something else.

Gert

[scottspiess]

Gert, Slomove thanks for the info. I will take a look (aka take it to someone who knows what they are doing) and get back to you. I hope it is that easy.

Scott

[scottspiess]

I think its ignistion

Hi all, well all looks good (with what I can do). I think it might be the key ignistion part because the brake lights work in position 1, but when I go to postion 3 to start the car and back to position 2, that is when they stop working. I am calling Woody to see if he can help. A little frustrating, but brake lights are important.

Scott

The Birkin supplied pressure switch (mounted on the diff) is known to break. I put in an aftermarket low-threshold pressure switch and had not a problem since.

But just to make sure you should look with a volt meter if the switch is really the problem or something else.

Gert

[scottspiess]

Guys...I cannot explain this, but it started working again. I have a gremlin or a loose fitting somewhere. I unplugged the connector behind the ignition key and put it back on. They brake lights work now. Not sure I understand this one.

[Doug Liedblad]

Caterhams do similar things. One that comes to mind is the turn signals that suddenly stop working. If you cycle the Emergency flasher switch a few times they are fine, for awhile at least.

Doug

[slomove]

Guys...I cannot explain this, but it started working again. I have a gremlin or a loose fitting somewhere. I unplugged the connector behind the ignition key and put it back on. They brake lights work now. Not sure I understand this one.

Can be corroded or grimy contacts in the ignition key switch or the connectors. Just dump the key switch, it is anyway just a hazard for your right knee :)

Gert

[soareyes]

Caterhams do similar things. One that comes to mind is the turn signals that suddenly stop working. If you cycle the Emergency flasher switch a few times they are fine, for awhile at least.

Doug

Same thing with my Birkin and the turn signals. Not sure if it has happened with my brake lights though.

[scottspiess]

Slomove I think you are onto something

Hey do you have a link to to that 3rd party or part number. I think you are onto something here. I am getting results then failure, so its electronic. I am working with a local source that is interested in the car. Slow but cost effective.

Scott

The Birkin supplied pressure switch (mounted on the diff) is known to break. I put in an aftermarket low-threshold pressure switch and had not a problem since.

But just to make sure you should look with a volt meter if the switch is really the problem or something else.

Gert

[scottspiess]

Gert...sorry I thought that was posted by Slowmove....my bad...

[slomove]

Well, not really.....last time I looked my handle was Slomove ;o)

I can try to locate where I got that low-pressure switch tonight. I remember I got the reference from Brian Anderson (the S2k builder). But is has been really robust (6 years and counting) and I need to touch the pedal only very lightly.

Gert

[slomove]

Ah found it already:

PARR Automotive part # RFW-SW-32 low pressure brake light
switch. Their Phone # in Oklahoma is 1-800-654-6779 .They also carry a
mechanical switch for brakes # RFW-SW-62. The first switch is a direct
replacement for Birkins and many Caterhams.

Hope they are still around. I bought it a long time ago.

[Elv15]

Gert, their website says "...For 58 Years And Counting." How long ago did you order that part! ;)

Here's a direct link to the switch:
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000042b

[scottspiess]

Thanks guys :)