Help - Search - Members - Calendar
Full Version: Brake lights when shifting
914World.com > The 914 Forums > 914World Garage
GreatPumpkin
Someone I work with told me today that everytime I shift my car my brake lights come on . I just replaced my clutch two weeks ago so I'm thinking I messed something up . I haven't really had time to look at it yet since I'm at work til later , but any suggestions on what to check first ? Haha it's always something isn't it ?
Darren C
QUOTE(GreatPumpkin @ May 3 2016, 07:34 PM) *

Someone I work with told me today that everytime I shift my car my brake lights come on . I just replaced my clutch two weeks ago so I'm thinking I messed something up . I haven't really had time to look at it yet since I'm at work til later , but any suggestions on what to check first ? Haha it's always something isn't it ?


Start by taking a look at the brake light switch by the pedal assembly. May have come adrift (or a wire to it has) and is some how rubbing/moving/shorting when the clutch pedal is depressed.
Or maybe with your new clutch the new pressure plate spring pressure or recently adjusted clutch cable is pulling the pedal assembly over if your Pedal Assembly Bushes are worn enough to make the switch.
AZ914
The clutch is on the left. Just kidding.. did you replace the clutch cable? If so, I'd guess its caught up on the switch area as well.
Darren C
QUOTE(AZ914 @ May 3 2016, 08:45 PM) *

The clutch is on the left. Just kidding.. did you replace the clutch cable? If so, I'd guess its caught up on the switch area as well.




The clutch cable is no where near the switch and cannot get "caught up" on the switch or its wires.

Lift the mat, remove the two allen socket head bolts, pedal rubbers and accelerator pedal, lift out the cover plate and take a look at what's happening to the switch while you press the clutch pedal up and down.
rgalla9146
QUOTE(Darren C @ May 3 2016, 03:50 PM) *

QUOTE(AZ914 @ May 3 2016, 08:45 PM) *

The clutch is on the left. Just kidding.. did you replace the clutch cable? If so, I'd guess its caught up on the switch area as well.




The clutch cable is no where near the switch and cannot get "caught up" on the switch or its wires.

Lift the mat, remove the two allen socket head bolts, pedal rubbers and accelerator pedal, lift out the cover plate and take a look at what's happening to the switch while you press the clutch pedal up and down.


I second that, my guess is that when you push the clutch pedal the brake pedal is moving down as well.
Cluster bushings ? or loose or maladjusted brake light switch.
GreatPumpkin
Update : after work and getting out to my car to check it out I realized my brake lights are on all the time . Not just when I push the clutch in .
GreatPumpkin
QUOTE(GreatPumpkin @ May 3 2016, 04:16 PM) *

Update : after work and getting out to my car to check it out I realized my brake lights are on all the time . Not just when I push the clutch in .

As in the lights are on the second I turn the car on without pushing anything .
Darren C
QUOTE(GreatPumpkin @ May 3 2016, 09:18 PM) *

QUOTE(GreatPumpkin @ May 3 2016, 04:16 PM) *

Update : after work and getting out to my car to check it out I realized my brake lights are on all the time . Not just when I push the clutch in .

As in the lights are on the second I turn the car on without pushing anything .



CHECK THE SWITCH, by the pedals
GreatPumpkin
Update : the switch may have been loose ? I took the pedal board off and felt back behind the brake pedal and tightend something as much as I could with my fingers and no more brake lights . Thank you guys
76-914
Then it will come off again. shades.gif
era vulgaris
agree.gif
I would double check that your brake lights work now that you've tightened 'something' up, and at what point in the pedal's arc do they actually turn on. I set the switch on my car so they come on as soon as possible. You can check by looking in your mirrors in your garage with the key in the on position, and seeing when they light up the garage door behind you.
It's worth the 15 or so minutes of work to know that the minivan behind you with screaming kids and a driver that's on the phone knows you're slowing down.
r_towle
Pull the fuse, what could possibly go wrong if your brake lights don't work...
GreatPumpkin
Thanks you guys are smarter than me knowing I would be back on here haha. Lmao. Let me try this again and actually do it right . chair.gif
Darren C
QUOTE(GreatPumpkin @ May 3 2016, 09:46 PM) *

Update : the switch may have been loose ? I took the pedal board off and felt back behind the brake pedal and tightend something as much as I could with my fingers and no more brake lights . Thank you guys


Now were all wondering "what" you tightened up with your fingers????

The switch is held in place with two small screws, not easy at all to "tighten with fingers"

The only thing that you could get your fingers around easily is the rod from pedal to master cylinder adjusting nut in which case you have bigger issues now.

From your description of "something" and your general demeanour, I'd guess you didn't lift out the pedal cover board once you took the socket head bolts out, as its a bit of a Rubik Challenge, and you've been working blind???
rhodyguy
Did you place the switch arm on the correct side? The switch detail, placement and switch adjustment (yes, there is a adj screw) is illustrated in your Haynes.
r_towle
poke.gif slap.gif
rhodyguy
Might have been the adj screw. Loose jam nut? I got stopped by a sheriff because my brake lights "were on all of the time". Couldn't adj them to function properly. Then I noted in the Haynes picture that the arm was on the wrong side too.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.
Invision Power Board © 2001-2024 Invision Power Services, Inc.