| eunosracr |
02-21-2016 04:21 PM |
Brake lights started flaking out
So the brake lights started flaking out today. I have LED bulbs but they only work sometimes when i press down on the brake pedal. Should I just bite the bullet and replace the switch that goes to the master cylinder? I doubt its the bulbs since both sides are acting exactly the same from working, to dim, to flashing, to not working at all. Any suggestions?
|
| mln385 |
02-21-2016 04:28 PM |
Check the connection on the switch, might be loose. It is a common problem on these cars.
|
| ct clint |
02-21-2016 04:37 PM |
Try a meter or test light on out put side of switch. See if it's switch or jump the switch see if they work
|
| eunosracr |
02-21-2016 04:40 PM |
Thanks guys. Will try this and report back.
|
| Tommy |
02-21-2016 04:54 PM |
Bad and intermittent grounds are very common on fiberglass bodied cars. If both brake lights are grounded through a common wire, that could be it. A quick test is to run a temporary jumper wire from the brake light fixture ground to a known good ground. If that makes the problem go away, you have identified the source of the problem.
|
| Cashburn |
02-22-2016 10:37 AM |
Take the two wires off the switch and connect them. If it works perfectly than it's the switch.
|
| eunosracr |
02-22-2016 11:46 AM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cashburn
(Post 1381623)
Take the two wires off the switch and connect them. If it works perfectly than it's the switch.
|
Jay- Do you mean with a jumper wire? Also the brake lights do seem to work if i really press down on the pedal. Does this sound like the symptoms related to a bad switch? |
| twobjshelbys |
02-22-2016 01:11 PM |
Check grounding. The tail light is grounded by a wire to the chassis somewhere. Try attaching an alligator clip lead set to the light and a chassis ground. At a minimum clean paint off the chassis area where the ground return is connected to the frame.
|
| Tommy |
02-22-2016 01:17 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by eunosracr
(Post 1381628)
Jay- Do you mean with a jumper wire? Also the brake lights do seem to work if i really press down on the pedal. Does this sound like the symptoms related to a bad switch?
|
The switch closes the circuit (i.e., connects the two wires attached to it) when the pressure is high enough. Connecting the two wires together either with a jumper or by disconnecting them from the switch and pressing them together will bypass the switch and should turn the brake lights on. If that solves the problem, then your switch is the likely problem. |
| eunosracr |
02-22-2016 02:18 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommy
(Post 1381639)
The switch closes the circuit (i.e., connects the two wires attached to it) when the pressure is high enough. Connecting the two wires together either with a jumper or by disconnecting them from the switch and pressing them together will bypass the switch and should turn the brake lights on. If that solves the problem, then your switch is the likely problem.
|
Thank you Tom ! |
| Late Apex |
02-22-2016 02:53 PM |
With only 645 miles on my new BDR Cobra, the left brake light went out last week. On inspection of the bulb it was black and done. Right side ok. Ordered GE 12v 5w brake bulbs from Amazon, 2 to a pack, and they work great and are brighter than whatever brand the factory uses too. Hope you correct the problem that easy.
|
| eunosracr |
02-25-2016 07:53 PM |
Problem solved by replacing the switch. Cheap and easy fix. I bought an extra one just in case.
|
| picross |
05-09-2016 07:46 AM |
There is also a heat shield you can buy to help keep the switch on the master cylinder from failing (too close to the headers apparently). I have an early backdraft (#157) and it did not come with the shield - my switch failed also and i put the shield on. I ended up also installing a mechanical backup as well just to be safe.
|
| tamanaco |
05-14-2016 07:02 AM |
the switches used on BDR cars have been failing since the 1960's when it was very common brake switch in production cars...Ford's i think. They just failed! the best solution is a mechanically actuated switch by the movement of the brake pedal...you'll never look at it again! :cool:
|
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:06 AM. |
|
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0
The representations expressed are the representations and opinions of the clubcobra.com forum members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and viewpoints of the site owners, moderators, Shelby American, any other replica manufacturer, Ford Motor Company. This website has been planned and developed by clubcobra.com and its forum members and should not be construed as being endorsed by Ford Motor Company, or Shelby American or any other manufacturer unless expressly noted by that entity. "Cobra" and the Cobra logo are registered trademarks for Ford Motor Co., Inc. clubcobra.com forum members agree not to post any copyrighted material unless the copyrighted material is owned by you. Although we do not and cannot review the messages posted and are not responsible for the content of any of these messages, we reserve the right to delete any message for any reason whatsoever. You remain solely responsible for the content of your messages, and you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless with respect to any claim based upon transmission of your message(s). Thank you for visiting clubcobra.com. For full policy documentation refer to the following link:
