Re: Volkswagen Brake Light Switch
Posted by HH56 On 2023/1/15 17:55:53
The VW switch has been used by several others but reports of it having a fairly short life also are an issue -- just like the original switches, reports are more for cars using silicone fluid -- but apparently failures of the VW switch have also been noted with the ordinary glycol fluid.
Wells is another mfg who made a three terminal configuration switch that is still found occasionally. I believe Standard also makes one but either of those may be the VW or Napa version with the reportedly short life.
There is a two terminal hydraulic switch and relay conversion that seems to work for most but others have noted issues with Napa switches and suggest using a Harley Davidson 2 terminal switch that apparently is made for silicone fluid. Not sure who sells that conversion now since the Northwest Packard region did not show it on their website last time I looked. About the only other proven 3 terminal alternative that seems to have a decent life is the conversion to a mechanical switch operated by the brake pedal arm. If your just replaced hydraulic switch gives up again you might consider changing to mechanical.
Dwight Heinmuller has mechanical kits that mount to the steering column for both the 55 and 56 power brake pedal arms. If the car has standard brakes then a mechanical 2 terminal switch mounted under the floorboard and operated by the pedal along with a relay conversion for the third terminal would be the option.
Attach file:
brake sw.jpg (128.67 KB)
Wells is another mfg who made a three terminal configuration switch that is still found occasionally. I believe Standard also makes one but either of those may be the VW or Napa version with the reportedly short life.
There is a two terminal hydraulic switch and relay conversion that seems to work for most but others have noted issues with Napa switches and suggest using a Harley Davidson 2 terminal switch that apparently is made for silicone fluid. Not sure who sells that conversion now since the Northwest Packard region did not show it on their website last time I looked. About the only other proven 3 terminal alternative that seems to have a decent life is the conversion to a mechanical switch operated by the brake pedal arm. If your just replaced hydraulic switch gives up again you might consider changing to mechanical.
Dwight Heinmuller has mechanical kits that mount to the steering column for both the 55 and 56 power brake pedal arms. If the car has standard brakes then a mechanical 2 terminal switch mounted under the floorboard and operated by the pedal along with a relay conversion for the third terminal would be the option.
Attach file:
brake sw.jpg (128.67 KB)
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