Date:         Sat, 30 Apr 2011 09:50:45 -0700
Reply-To:     neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         neil n <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Brake Light Switch: Push-on Connector Disintegrated. Corrode? Hi
              Watt Brake Lights?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hi all.

Condition: brake light fuse fails during dash work. Cause: push-on connector
at brake light switch came loose, dangled, shorted to ground when disturbed.

Pic of failed push-on connector: *http://tinyurl.com/3d5unt3 *Hard to see,
but there's green on it.
*
*
*Theory #1. During my first MC replacement, a little brake fluid got in
plug. Over time, it corroded push-on connector. Later, pulling and pushing
plug back on forced connector far enough out to fall and dangle just waiting
to short out. *
*
*
*I would suggest to anyone doing MC R&R to clean these plugs with the
appropriate cleaner to make sure no brake fluid is in them.*
*
*
*Theory #2. I recall installing higher wattage brake lights a few years ago.
Where + wire enters each plug, I see what *looks like* a burn mark on each.
Could higher wattage bulbs cause this part to fail?*
*
*
*Anyone else had this happen? *
*
*
*Neil.*

--
Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines