WANTED - Automatic brake pedal switch

[xmexclusive]

Whilst I have seen this brake switch problem on a later V6 that came in for servicing my 2.5's do not seem to suffer.
As some of my estates have retrofit high level lights that surprises me.
Particularly as the retro fit is two 25W recovered units.
Time to sort out and fit a relay for the brake lights.
I use two high level units instead of one because it puts the light directly in eye line with those seated in the front of a closely following car.

The problem with this switch causing Cruise Control failure is a different issue as it uses a separate set of contacts.
Here the problem is caused by contact corrosion and low current use leading to the NC contacts no longer making.

I do tend to service and protect these switches swapping with a spare every few years.
I can confirm as Paul states that the actual switch is the same in auto and manual pedal, just the case and rubber changes.
If recovering spares from other PSA cars there are two versions of the actual switch.
Two contact (NO/NC) to suit cruise and Single contact (NO) brake light only.
If you need cruise a check on the wiring (3 wire/2 wire) saves recovering the wrong type.

John

[Dieselman]

A relay for these and the starter motor seems like a good idea. I'll get round to it sometime.

[Jan-hendrik]

The problem with this switch causing Cruise Control failure is a different issue as it uses a separate set of contacts.

I won't argue about that, John. Thank you for your input. But it is my belief that the heat generated in the brass metal springs causes fatigue with poor contact as a result. And this seems to be particularly true on my automatic transmission model which is driven mostly in urban traffic where the foot is on the brake much, much longer than on MT cars. The result is that on the AT models the tab inside the pedal box, which activates the switch, melts and that means the stop lamps won't light. My repair is gluing in an aluminum tab to the remains of the plastic tab. I've done that three times (3 different pedals). The stop lamps won't fail again, but heat is still being generated which is something the CC contact spring does not like.

[White Exec]

Either that or LED brake lights, but let's not go there.

Not go there? I can be brief. I played around with LED, but could not get the dual intensity bulb to function. Meaning, the stop lamp part worked, but not the tail lamp. Gave up on that option - for now

I was just being provocative. After all the hard work on the switches, back lights should be easy.
12v ribbon-type red LEDs might make a good spread of light behind the red lenses, and be tailorable in length and number to produce the desired outputs - assuming you can access the interior of the fittings.

[White Exec]

A relay for these and the starter motor seems like a good idea. I'll get round to it sometime.

Add Main Beam to that list, to take the strain off the stalk switch.

[Jan-hendrik]

Have problems with the stalk switch been reported/documented?

[White Exec]

Only for the indicator (turn signal) part of it, the cause of relay chatter.

In replacing the stalk switch (not cheap) it seemed to me a good idea to relieve it of its need to carry main beam current. Relaying both headlight beams is a common wiring arrangement on many cars, and helps maximise headlight brightness if the relay is sensibly placed.

While fixing a corroded dip relay, it seemed a simple addition. I just don't like asking slow-speed switches to handle high currents, and the in-rush on cold H1 bulbs is substantial.

[xmexclusive]

There is a downside to modifying wiring and adding extra relays.
It needs documenting, preferably in the handbook or similar.
Otherwise it becomes a problem for later owners and perhaps existing ones with extended senior moments.

John

[Jan-hendrik]

There is a downside to modifying wiring and adding extra relays.
It needs documenting, preferably in the handbook or similar.
Otherwise it becomes a problem for later owners and perhaps existing ones with extended senior moments.
John

Good points, particularly the one about senior moments

[White Exec]

All such mods go into the car's service log file, and circuit pages in the Manual are usually amended too.
Quite agree about the need to look after both future and current owners!
Have also recently started labelling relay cases and 'black boxes' on the car with their function. Can save time and hassle later.