Lancia Motor Club Forum
Model Technical and Interest => Augusta => Topic started by: MichaelElsom on 04 May, 2026, 05:51:52 PM
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I regret to say that CLM has been suffering from severe under usage of late. In fact she has sat in the garage since the lunch in October...
After charging the battery the first attempt to start was a failure - so battery out, distilled water added and charging re-commenced.
Having had trouble with stale petrol in another car recently, I sprayed some Easy Start into the carb. Instantly she started.
However, it became apparent that the brake lights had come on of their own volition! No amount of turning on and off has made any difference and a journey of 8 or so miles failed to dislodge the gremlin. The brake lights remain determinedly on - only disconnecting the battery has made any difference. Incidentally the brake lights didn't come on when I attempted to start her for the first time - I don't think I will have touched the brake pedal on that occasion.
This time, I think I must have done.
10 years ago I fitted a switch which Morris had kindly re-conditioned for me and I have never had any trouble since.
Has anybody got any ideas please.
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Michael,
Obviously, 2 wires touch which should not. Could possibly be a defective brake light switch.
I don’t know, but I assume the original switch is installed in your car. It is difficult to get at. It's only accessible from below the car. It sits above the brake pedal arm and is attached to the body by 2 nuts inside the foot well. The cover can be removed by loosening the nut. There are 2 screw terminals inside from where the contact plates lead underneath a contact bar which is pressed onto the contacts by depressing the brake pedal. The switch only works when the cover is installed.
It did happen to me during a Sliding Pillar Rally, that my brake lights were on all the time. With difficulty, I was able to open the switch and found that the 2 contacts were joining as they have become loose at the terminals. I was able to separate the contacts and the day was saved. I don’t remember how the terminals are attached to the body of the switch, but there must be insulating material involved to prevent shorts.
Karl
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Thanks Kari.
Have also spoken to James this morning and am just about to get under the car....
Michael