Brake Light Switch (not the usual)

[GlanzaV]

Hi guys,

Long time since I've been on here since selling the LCR and really only running the ibiza as a workhorse to/from work, but hoping you can help!

I got the usual coilplug light flashing on my dash this morning (indicating no brake lights) and they definitely aren't working. However there's a few odd things which have happened leading up to this and after it initially happened this morning.

A few days ago I parked up and pulled on the handbrake, it went up quite a few more clicks than usual. I went to have a quick look and the N/S rear wheel was fairly warm (leading me to believe the calliper is binding) looking at the discs on both sides, they look quite corroded too:

(The discs were only just replaced at the end of last summer??)


Now back to this morning... Firstly after about ten minutes the coil light went out of it's own accord (brakes lights still not working) but I assume it just times out after a while expecting you to phone the dealer wondering why a light is flashing lol!

Secondly I thought back to the calliper/discs and tried pulling on my handbrake gently for a few seconds whilst driving, after doing this a couple of times, I tried my brakes again and they would work again for one or two presses, then stop working again!



So my question is: Would the coil light be linked to a sticky calliper??? Or am I drawing conclusions where there aren't any? Is it worth me changing the brake switch if it's linked to the calliper(s)?

Also from my searches there seem to be 2 different Brake switch P/N's (1K2 945 511) and (1C0945511ARDW) any advice which to order?

Any advice welcome!



Adrian

 

[GlanzaV]

BTTT: Any advice?

Been running this through my head, it's weird as I say because it sometimes clears after using the handbrake?

The way I see it though (unless anyone can correct me) is the glowplug light is only an indicator that there is a break in the electrical circuit for the lights, which, since the brake lights are usually independent of each other can only really be the brake light switch?? If there was a mechanical fault it shouldn't bring on the light?? The brakes work fine too, in fact bite rather well!

 

[DEAN0]

The glow plug light only monitors the electrical side of the braking system - it would not know about a sticky caliper.
It sounds like the switch is currently intermittently working or even just has a loose connector.

Corroded discs are a common issue - most cheap discs are lightly corroded after a year even with heavy use. With light use and short journeys they corrode up quickly.

Yes it could be a sticky caliper - it could also be a sticky handbrake cable - would be best to check the sliders on both calipers and have a close look at the cables where they go through the hanger on the axle.

I would also install the "handbrake springs" if you don't already have them on.

 

[GlanzaV]

Yeah I got all the P/Ns for the spring mod a while ago but there was confusion over what way round and which exact springs to fit etc. so wanted to wait for a few more folk to do it to confirm. Are there any new threads (I'll search regardless )

I'm picking up the new brake switch tomorrow, will report back the outcome.

 

[GlanzaV]

Well as expected the new switch has cleared the fault.

For anyone searching in the future:

The old switch (P/N:380945511A)

And the new switch (P/N: 6Q0945511)

and the 2 in comparison with each other (new switch on the left):

 

[moggytom]

Off topic sorry but have you chopped the number plate bit off your front bumper ? Any piks

 

[GlanzaV]

Off topic sorry but have you chopped the number plate bit off your front bumper ? Any piks

Only photoshopped I'm afraid!

 

[moggytom]

Awww looks smart as f*ck

 

[RUM4MO]

If I were you, I'd get in there and order two springs for an Alhambra etc (forgotten the VW version's name)! Buy or borrow a piston retractor tool, remove both sides one at a time, clean up the calliper and mounting frame, retract both sides, refit callipers and wheels - now to reset the handbrake, first pump the brake pedal a few times, maybe start the engine to make it easier, then after the pedal is hard, hold it down and pull up the handbrake a few times and it will adjust up to its correct position. After that, you should take a look under the car and see that the handbrake levers have returned back to or near the "stop" - ie they should both be at the same angle, similarly apply the handbrake and check that teh lvers have both moved by a similar ammount. I don't realy know what you can do about the discs, they might have plenty of metal left on them, but if you got a machine shop to skim them it would cost more than buying new ones from ECP (Pagid) or GSF (only buy similar quality). As said already if not used much, or lightly then they will rust up badly. Could be worse, I've got ATE Power Disks on the front of my Passat B5 and I don't use it much in winter and two winters trashed them, the previous set lasted until they weared out as I had been using the car more during that period. I drive my wife's Polo 9N every weekend and make sure that I use the brakes firmly to try to prevent what has happened to you, its a bit difficult as her Polo 9N does have good brakes!

 

[GlanzaV]

Thing is I drive about 400-500mi a week (M8 commute) every week! So the brakes do get used.

Discs and pads were changed end of last summer, so unsure why they've corroded so badly so quickly! you can see the pads have plenty of meat in the pics I posted above. The brakes do feel "bitey" and work fine! just the handbrake recently seems to take about 8 clicks to hold it on a hill.

I'm defo going to get the springs fitted to the rear callipers, will need to search for the P/Ns again. When I do I'd prob be as well changing the discs and pads again. Will maybe wait for the weather to warm up again though.

 

[DEAN0]

Thing is I drive about 400-500mi a week (M8 commute) every week! So the brakes do get used.

Discs and pads were changed end of last summer, so unsure why they've corroded so badly so quickly! you can see the pads have plenty of meat in the pics I posted above. The brakes do feel "bitey" and work fine! just the handbrake recently seems to take about 8 clicks to hold it on a hill.

I'm defo going to get the springs fitted to the rear callipers, will need to search for the P/Ns again. When I do I'd prob be as well changing the discs and pads again. Will maybe wait for the weather to warm up again though.

Before you go adjusting or striping things down try the following.

Flat piece of road/carpark.

Car standing still.

Push on foot brake and whilst it is pressed pull the handbrake on hard.
release foot brake - release handbrake.

Repeat the above 5 or six times.

It should force the handbrake adjuster in the calipers to operate

 

[GlanzaV]

^^ Cheers for the tip!

 

[RUM4MO]

I'd still reckon that you should get in there now and clean things up a bit, you can't do much for the discs, but you can make sure the calliper is free to move and the pads are also free to move, at least by doing that you will be using up the pads a bit - but I'd reckon that the inner face of the discs will be worse looking than the outers that you have shown. After you have got the springs just fit them as shown on a previous thread here or in www.briskoda.net . Remember to retract the pistons fully and adjust them back out as I outlined - ie same as GlanzaV indicated, if the pads can not move with in the callipers then "whacking on" the brakes and handbrake will not be much if any thing.