Brake lights not working

[newwy66]

Hi All
Just noticed my brake lights are out! Checked all bulbs, fuses, connections but cannot find anything amiss. Tail lights and indicators working ok, just no brake lights.
Could it be the brake light switch?
Any advice on what to buy and how to fit would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Hope everyone is well during this virus plague. Was hoping to get out and about this summer but not looking feasible at the moment.

Volvo 66 1.3 GL

[swissdave]

Hi, I had this happen on my V66 and it was the switch
They are readily available from motor factors if you can find one with the old catalogues.
They are easy to change, just screwed into the side of the master cylinder.
If you have the new one in your hand and you're quick you can whip the old one out and screw the new one straight in and only use a tiny bit of brake fluid.
Keep rags or similar underneath to stop brake fluid getting in your paint.

[andrew]

Might be worth using a multi-meter to ascertain if the with is not working BEFORE screwing it, as it'll save any possibility of air entering the brake system. Although I agree, from what you've said the switch seems more then likely to be the cause.

[starider]

Hi, if you haven't got a multimeter just pull the terminals off the switch and join the connectors carefully together with a short lenght of cable,turn the ignition on and check brake lights are working.If they light, it's the switch.Check with Bolsover,Steve may have one in stock.

[newwy66]

Hi
Thanks everyone for your quick replies and information. I am just about to go and have a look at it now. I will test it with the multimeter first. Have already seen some switches on ebay, so I can order one if it's faulty. Just been looking at the electrical schematic in the Haynes manual and seen the brake light switch on it but of course it is not relative to the actual car when looking at the diagram...much head scratching...lol
As you can probably gather, I am no mechanic and it's all a learning curve for me...but I am enjoying 'tinkering' with the old girl.
Will report back later on any progress.

[andrew]

Practical help is available, depending on how far away you are.....Whereabouts are you (& the CAR!)?

[newwy66]

Ha,ha...well that was an easy fix.
Picture me standing ready complete with multi-meter, bits of cable, Haynes manual and various tools in the blazing midday sun and I had a sudden brainwave!
What if I just disconnect the brake light switch connectors and spray them with some contact cleaner...hmm, might work.!?
Well, blow me down...working brake lights!
It was just a bit of grunge on the connectors. Lol! Easy fix.
Just had a little trundle out (much to the general public's amusement). Everything running fine.

Thanks once again to all who replied. I now know where the brake light switch is if I ever need to replace. (or just spray with cleaner). Learning all the time.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Dave

[newwy66]

Thanks Andrew..I am in Liverpool. Some distance away from most Daffers! (alas)

[andrejuan]

May 30, 2020 12:36:56 GMT newwy66 said:

Thanks Andrew..I am in Liverpool. Some distance away from most Daffers! (alas)

You are not that far from quite a few northern Daffers. With the lack of organised meet ups this year, I would be happy to venture out one day for a mini meet up up within covid guidelines (outdoor chat n coffee? If anyone is interested we could make it somewhere that is within an hour of everyone.

[newwy66]

Yes, I am up for that if anyone else is interested.

[dafman50]

Just make sure the switch is operating the 4wsy valve with ignition on you should hear a click. I will come up.for a day.and join meet.up Dave.

[newwy66]

Hi Graham
Hope you are well.
I see David got another 66..!! Ha,ha. He will need an aircraft hanger soon for all those DAF's and V.66's !
It's a shame that the Classic Car show scene has been effectively cancelled due to the plague. I was hoping to get out and about this summer and meet some fellow Daffers.
If you are up this way Graham, would be nice to see you.