Anyone had probs with RS Brake lights coming on of their own free will?

And should they work with the ignition off? Cos mine do ! :confused:

Hi Geoff,

I think most brake lights come on when the ignition is off (they have on my previous cars anyway!) - assuming of course you are pressing the brake pedal!

As for coming on of their own free will - sounds like a bit of dodgy wiring? Maybe someone else can shed some light......

Dave

All sorted, thanx to the peeps at Derek Slack Motors, Middlesbrough.

Turns out it was a dodgy brake light switch, i called in this morning, they said as long as i got the car to them by 4pm they'd sort it today.

I got there @ 3:45, and was back out the door at 4:15 with the new switch fitted. I think thats pretty impressive service, i was expecting the usual "oohh, we can fit you in next tuesday"

So far i'm well impressed with the service, long may it continue.

Dave.

I've honestly never noticed on any previous car that the brakelights worked with the ignition off. Maybe they did, but i very rarely look behind me

Thanks for the reply.

Originally posted by MonkeyHanger in this post

I've honestly never noticed on any previous car that the brakelights worked with the ignition off. Maybe they did, but i very rarely look behind me

Me too, I find it such a hard exercise trying to press the brake pedal and then running out of the car to see if it is working that I just assume they work

Q.

Every motor I have driven since about 1984 has had brake lights that can work all of the time. The only exception was an X reg Ford Transit ( thats aaa 111 X age)

Cheers

There are 3 ways that i can think of to do it:

1) Rig up a network of mirrors around your car - with approximately 14 you should get a clear view of your brake lights

2) Wait until it's dark, then with your engine switched off look in your rear view mirror then brake

or

3) Get someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake

Oh hang on a minute - i've just reread my post and discovered that i have far too much free time :eek:

4) Drive really fast around a roundabout. If you're fast enough you'll be able to tailgate yourself and see if they work if you press the brake... Just make sure you don't crash into the back of yourself though

Q.

On the subject of brake lights, does anyone know how to remove the high level light, mine has a load of dust in the bit between the lens and the back window that I would like to clean out.

I seem to recall reading in the owners manual that you can push in two little clips at the sides and then slide it backwards to remove the housing. Look in the section about replacing bulbs.

Q.

Most cars have brake lights that work all the time. A good way of testing them is to brake while at a traffic light and look for your brake lights' reflection in the headlamps of the car behind. Works for indicators too. Soon it becomes a habit so you should never get caught out with duff bulbs if stopped by Mr. Plod. Similarly occasionally drive up close behind a van when waiting at traffic lights and test you headlamps both full and dipped. If you're close behind them they won't see the lights in the mirror and wonder what the F*** you're up to

The Owners Manual recommends that Estate owners have the bulbs changed by a dealer. Having removed the 3 plastic trim pieces in the rear door in order to reseat the top one correctly, I have first-hand experience of why the Manual says that!

The high level brake light in the Estates is a nightmare to get out.

Its held in by 2 plastic clips that are spring loaded, and tend to break very easy as I found out. Also note that the lens and rear body are bonded together.

I found all of this out with my old Octy estate when a bulb went in the high level light bulb strip. Vowed at the time never again.

Oh yer, its also very easy to scratch the paint in the vicinity of the light....I have warned you:)

Cheers

4) Drive really fast around a roundabout. If you're fast enough you'll be able to tailgate yourself and see if they work if you press the brake... Just make sure you don't crash into the back of yourself though

Q.

5) Carry a brick with you and stick it on the brake pedal, run round and check it all and hop back in. Not good when the police search your car though:rofl:

Set your digital camera to take a movie of the back of the car while you operate the brakes. Then view the movie.