Series III brake light switch problem

I lost the brake lights on my Series III and could not figure why. I got an auto electrician to check the wiring and he said that the wiring was fine. He then fiddled under the bonnet with his multimeter while I pressed the pedal as required.

He adjusted something near the switch saying that these things are very sensitive.
I should have asked what he did but I was just pleased to have the brake lights working again.

Anyway they have now stopped working again.
What did he do and can I do it too?

Thanks
Des

Servo or non servo?

oxides said:

Servo or non servo?

Click to expand...

Servo

could be the brake switch on the pedal box near servo , if you take the two wires off and short them you can bypass the switch and see if lights work, could be dodgy switch or might just need screwing in a bit so when you press the pedal it operates the switch

The switch for the servo is accessed through the engine compartment, the non servo one is in the footwell. Do you have a copy of the manual?

oxides said:

The switch for the servo is accessed through the engine compartment, the non servo one is in the footwell. Do you have a copy of the manual?

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I do but I don't seem to be able to locate the appropriate bit. I can see no reference to the adjusting screw.

Des

http://www.landroverweb.com/landrover/pdf-land-rover-manuals/ it's in section 7, manual section 86.65.51..

oxides said:

pdf Land Rover Manuals | Landroverweb.com it's in section 7, manual section 86.65.51..

Click to expand...

Oxides you're a star. I was looking in the brakes section

Thanks
Des

Yeah - it's not always as logical as you'd like.

I have the same problem. Devil of a time adjusting the super sensitive switch (pedal box under the bonnet). Slight turn and the brake lights won't come on when I press the pedal. Slight turn the other way and they stay on when I don't even press the pedal. Slight turn in the middle, they come on, and stay on when I release the pedal. I'm going to install a switch by the brake pedal under the dash. It's frustrating. any suggestions? HELP!

Mike

Most of the replacement switches are absolutely junk, I tried about three. Even new Lucas ones are near useless. I searched the net and eventually found a new 'old stock' style Lucas switch. It is more forgiving to adjust and lasts more than 3 days.

The switch sits on top of the servo. It's just under the bonnet. As posted it's very sensitive to setting. You just have to fiddle with it. Very small adjustment.

+1 on fiddly to get right. I think the switch slides on the top of the pedal arm so its worth oiling it. I found the switches fall apart inside, also the terminals seem to be loose. I seem to recall taking mine off and testing it on the bench then using a rod to measure where it aught to be set. This stopped me loosing the plot completely when adjustng it.

Thanks, all! I just ordered another one, because last night I noticed flickering when I was making those minute adjustments. So, taking your comments, I'm assuming the switch needs to be replaced. There is an original stock one I can get for like USD78, but I'll hold off on that and see if this USD20 one I ordered today will do okay. I think the way the brake pedal hits the lever inside the brake box, and pushes the tiny button is in itself a poor design for a switching function. The tiny metal nubby button has a mind of it's own as well as to when it will complete the circuit and when it will disconnect the circuit (at least in the switch I have in place now). I am working on a brake pedal located switch (the old style) and I need to cook up a bracket for it. That's my plan C. Thanks for your comments!
Mike

There are also two holes you can use on the pedal bracket. Depending on your brake pedal travel, you can choose as to which hole to screw the switch in to.

I have fitted a pressure switch in line with the brakes to activate the lights on S3. Takes all the hassle away

Okay - installed the under-bonnet one on top of the brake pedal box over the weekend. I lucked out. It works perfectly. Yes, a hair thin adjustment is needed. You have to be careful with taking the leads on and off as you turn the switch to adjust because I think that's what weakens the switch mechanism. Then I found the alternate switch bracket set on EBAY and ordered it. That's the one which will sit above the brake pedal just under the dash. I found the switch retaining nut at Rimmer Bros., and ordered that. So I'm a happy camper right now.
Thanks all, for your input!
Mike

i had this issue so i fitted a peugeot 106 one like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NE...h=item3fa9f427ba:g:U90AAOSwjKFZXm9M:rk:1:pf:0
its fitted to loads of french cars - i made a really simple bracket that picks up on the front 2 bolts that hold the brake assy in and even the wires reach
works perfect no more issues fiddling with the brake switch adjustment

i can post a picture if it helps

Pic please Carlos botched my non servo one but wire stick out.

Yes, Carlos - Exactly. The one I'm putting on as my alternate is like that, except made for Series Land Rover brake pedal bolts on the bottom of the dash. Also ordered from EBAY, and the set up is same as you say. I think it will be fun installing it, and having it as a back up, I'll leave the leads up near the "real": brake light switch, protected and not connected, in case I need to swap them in.
Blackburn - take a look at this bracket:
https://alexatesting.blogspot.com/2018/11/alternate-brake-light-switch.html


You will need the white switch and the retaining nut (Rimmer Bros.)
Have a great day!
Mike