BDR Question Pls -- Sudden No Brakelight Syndrome

jklehe · #1 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 11:40 AM

Last night I received the used BDR I bought via the transporter and doing a checkout this morning discovered that the brake lights aren't coming on. The seller confirmed they were working when the car was loaded on the transport, yet now they're not. Everything electrical is working fine, turn signals, emergency flashers, lights, etc., just no brake lights.

Checked the bulbs, the fuse panel, and stuck my head by the pedal assembly and I'm not seeing any kind of brake light switch or loose wire. Anyone have any suggestions on what to look for next? Where the heck is the brake light actuator switch?

Need to get this corrected asap so I can pass Texas inspection tomorrow so I can actually drive it further than my driveway and a few blocks around the neighborhood.

Thanks in advance for helpful suggestions.

Joe Klehe
Boerne, TX

Speedysnake · #2 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 12:51 PM

You most likely have the hydraulic brake light switch mounted on the master cyl. Mine went bad and I replaced it with one from a VW. I don't remember the P/N, but it is listed on Backdraft boys website. What number is your BDR?

Paul

jklehe · #3 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 01:10 PM

Build number: 00249 (solid black, no stripes). I'll get a web page up for her real soon now!

James Yale at Radical Roadsters in Houston just provided the part number for me:
NAPA #SL143 or equivalent. I'll check the wiring first making certain they're hooked up properly, then I'll get the part. Thanks for the help, most appreciated.

jklehe · #4 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 01:26 PM

Just checked the wiring and it's solid, however I did notice a bit of brake fluid around the area where the wires terminate on the brake master cylinder. That would tend to support your suggestion that the hydraulic brake light switch is bad.

Joe

Speedysnake · #5 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 01:41 PM

I just checked mine too, an Echlin P/N SL 147 will work. Or the SL159, it has three contacts, ignore the center one.

Dens · #6 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 01:43 PM

If you touch the two ends of the wires together do the brake light come on?
I had the same problem, twice. I change to a mechanical switch the is turned on and off at the pedal. I could take a picture of it if you want.

Brad

jklehe · #7 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 02:02 PM

Brad, thanks for the offer. Yes, a photo would be useful because if it occurs again I'll replace the hydraulic switch with a mechanical switch.

Speedy, thanks for the info on the alternative part if the 147 isn't available.

Joe

Cashburn · #8 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 05:22 PM

You sure you have the hydraulic switch on your car? Some cars in that era had mechanical switches in the footbox/pedal area...

my427 · #9 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 06:36 PM

Joe:

I had the same problem on BDR #203. When I checked, I found it had the mechanical switch and it turned out to be bad. I did a long search to replace it, and never could find an exact duplicate. A call to Reg at Backdraft and he said that the earlier run of cobras came in with a mechanical switch, but they are hydraulic now. I found that putting in a hydraulic switch was so easy, all I did was extend the electrical and it has been working fine since.

jklehe · #10 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 07:54 PM

Jay, I did a pretty close search in the foot pedal area and no sign of a mechanical switch.

Bruce, I've got two electrical wires coming in to the underside of the front of the master brake cylinder, so I'm assuming I have the hydraulic brake light switch. As I mentioned previously, I noticed some fluid (hydraulic, brake) seeping in the area where the wire terminal come in to the master cylinder and so I suspect that's the brake light switch and that it's leaking and most likely bad.

It's going in to the shop in the morning for a new title inspection and I'll ask them to replace the part prior to doing the inspection which should fix the situation.

Thanks guys! joe

ROUSHAC · #11 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 08:13 PM

Consider getting a heat shield for the hydraulic brake light switch. I had the same problem initially, but after getting one of these there hasn't been a problem since.

Click on the pic in the site below and you will see how it goes in place:
http://www.vintage-motorsports.com/s...cat=251&page=1

Good luck with the inspection tomorrow!

jklehe · #12 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 08:29 PM

Dave, thanks for the suggestion. I'll give them a call tomorrow as I notice the listing says they're out of stock. Inspection should be a piece of cake once the brake lights are working. I lucked out on my BDR as it's currently titled in Colorado as a "1965 Roadster", model "CONV," w/o any remarks on it being a "special build," and they're using the BDR VIN as the title VIN.

Joe

Cashburn · #13 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 09:33 PM

You can get the updated version of the heatshield from Backdraftparts.com

SS COBRA · #14 (**permalink**) 01-25-2009, 10:12 PM

My number is 251 and had to replace the master cylinder sending unit because of no brake lights, dealer knew what the problem was as soon as I told him no brake lights.

jklehe · #15 (**permalink**) 01-26-2009, 05:11 AM

Thank You to everyone who responded to my plea for help. All the suggestions have been very informative and most welcome. Looking forward to meeting up with folks at the various events on the schedule this year. Thanks again, y'all!

Joe in Boerne TX