Home  |  Forums  |  914 Info  |  Blogs
 
914World.com - The fastest growing online 914 community!
 
Porsche, and the Porsche crest are registered trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. This site is not affiliated with Porsche in any way.
Its only purpose is to provide an online forum for car enthusiasts. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
 

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

 
Reply to this topicStart new topic
> Brake light switch, Master vs pedal switch
RKramden
post Feb 28 2026, 11:20 AM
Post #1


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 49
Joined: 26-October 19
From: So. California
Member No.: 23,589
Region Association: Southern California



Unsuccessful finding prior posts on this, although I'm sure they're there.
Has anyone used a 2 prong pressure switch at the Brake master in lieu of the switch behind the Brake Pedal to control the brake lights? This is Utilized on a lot of cars and the idiot light for low pressure seems a bit overkill. I read Dave's post on Pelican and he noted the only time it ever lit up for him was when he over cooked his fluid racing and the light didn't come on until after his pedal hit the floor......Appreciate any thoughts
BTY this is a '74 non-stock with a 3.0
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Superhawk996
post Feb 28 2026, 11:33 AM
Post #2


914 Guru
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 7,730
Joined: 25-August 18
From: Woods of N. Idaho
Member No.: 22,428
Region Association: Galt's Gulch



You are completely misunderstanding what the differential pressure switch is for and how it works.

Not possible to use that switch to control the brake lights.

Edit: not trying to be snarky or abrupt. If you’re interested in how it actually works I’ll either lay it out or find a link for you where it was discussed fully.
User is online!Profile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
RKramden
post Mar 1 2026, 10:16 PM
Post #3


Newbie
*

Group: Members
Posts: 49
Joined: 26-October 19
From: So. California
Member No.: 23,589
Region Association: Southern California



I guess I did not explain my question thoroughly.
I am installing all new wiring and was contemplating using a pressure switch to initiate the brake lights in lieu of the mechanical switch at the pedal. I understand the standard 914 single pole pressure switch at the MC is for monitoring brake fluid and ties to the light at the top of the gas gauge, and will not work for this application and I will need to install a two pole switch along with a relay etc.
My question was has anyone done this mod and were there there negitives with it.
Here is a link showing both machanical and hydraulic switches controlling brake lights

https://youtu.be/h6F9PauqvXc

User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
chmillman
post Mar 2 2026, 01:01 AM
Post #4


Member
**

Group: Members
Posts: 354
Joined: 15-June 24
From: Switzerland
Member No.: 28,183
Region Association: Europe



I have a ‘57 T-Bird that has a brake line pressure switch to actuate the brake lights as originally manufactured. Mine works fine (for now) but apparently they fail often enough that there are kits available to install a mechanical switch attached to the pedal.

One thing the mechanical switch can do is to allow you to tap the brake pedal and have the brake lights go on without enough pressure in the system to trip a pressure switch.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
bdstone914
post Mar 2 2026, 02:49 AM
Post #5


bdstone914
*****

Group: Members
Posts: 5,264
Joined: 8-November 03
From: Riverside CA
Member No.: 1,319



Porsche did that onwas used. With the single circuit master.. They often leaked. They switched to the mechanical switch on the pedal set when the dual circuit master cylinder wascused. I have rebuilt hundreds of pedal sets and rarely see a bad switch.
It works. Leave it alone. Nothing to gain. If it ain't broke don't fix it.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post

Reply to this topicStart new topic
2 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
1 Members: FlacaProductions

 



- Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 2nd March 2026 - 09:04 AM
...