First let me apologise if this problem seems obvious to many. I’m a newcomer to the Lotus and on top of that a complete dunce when it comes to anything electrical related.
Both brake lights are completely inoperative. All I can say for certain is that the bulbs are working OK. Anything obvious I should be checking for? Any help much appreciated, the more basic the better, imagine you’re describing the solution to a very young child, that should bring you to my level when it comes to electrics!! Thankyou
The problem is probably the white plastic switch that is screwed into the pedal box. They are not very durable and often fail. They are available from the usual suspects.
Chris
Thanks Chris, Is it possible to get to this without removing the pedal box? Thanks Ed
The switch is in the footwell adj. to the brake mechanism
I have just noticed this is the plus2 section ,the switch may not be in the footwell ,sorry for any misunderstanding
Ed,
It is very easy to get at, you will see it as soon as you open the bonnet. The only problem I found ( I have replaced two) is that the new one seems to be to long to screw in. I have got round this by carefully removing some of the thread with a stanley knife so as to shorten it. I don’t know if anyone else has had this problem.
I have just thought that some early +2 brake switches, as the 1968 I am breaking, were in the hydraulic system and used a switch as in many early cars such as the mgb. They are also unreliable but are cheap and easy to replace. They are on the offside engine compartment fitted to a three way brake pipe connector.
Good luck,
Chris
Thanks Chris, Mine is an early model which probably explains why I have been unable to find anything around the pedal box. I’ll have a look around the offside, see if anything can be found that resembles this mythical switch. Thanks Ed
Brake lights are operated by a pressure switch in the brake line (RH side if you are sat in the car) located in the lower engine bay not to hard to find. I have the same problem on my 69 Just received new pressure switch from Dave Bean.
Yes, the earlier +2 has the pressure switch in the brake line, although the location seems to vary from car to car! Mine is on the rear brake pipes above and to the side of the diff. You will probably need to get underneath the car and look for a ‘T’ piece with wires coming from it on the hydraulics. When you do find it, assuming its accessible, try removing the connectors from the switch, and with the ignition on and a willing assistant to confirm operation of the lights, try shorting the wires briefly with a suitable bridge piece. The brake lights should flick on. If this works, you need a new switch… If not, reconnect and search for a problem elswhere (dodgy earth?).
I’m not sure which is worse - finding a faulty switch or confirming an unidentified wiring break!
Jeremy
Hmmm, I didn’t realize the +2s utilized the brake line for the stop switch.
The early baby Elans used this, but switched to a switch from the brake pedal.
Operationally, with the brake light working from the brake line, the stop lights only come on once the car is slowing. Working from the brake switch, they come on as the brake pedal is depressed, but before actual braking is started.
The result is that trailing cars have a fraction of a second warning you are about to out brake them. Better than having them in your rear bumper before the brake lights come on!
David
1968 36/7988
Good point about the reaction times for following drivers. This line of reasoning applies to changing to LED rear lights - instant response & brighter lights… Check out this site, expensive but good stuff…
norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyleds.htm
I have been using LEDS for the last three years with no problems.
Jeremy
Jeremy,
Great site!
I had been meaning to ask the community if any one had experience with LEDs. So you have answered the question.
LEDs are brighter or not depending on how you order them. They also draw less current for equivalent light output, helping those still on 20amp generators. And they are not subject to vibration failure as conventional bulbs are. And, finally, their lifetime probably exceeds ours in normal use.
David
1968 36/7988
I also have non-functioning lights in my +2S130,a late one. Didn’t get to check much before the winter lay up, but the plastic end bit of the aforementioned switch under the bonnet came off very easily in my hand…I put it on again. 
Does this mean it’s bust?
Thor
Not busted just another minor Lotus maintenance challenge. Drill a couple of holes in the body and wire the end on with some stainless tie wire and it should last another 20 years, at least mine has !
regards
Rohan
And obviously, if the brake lights work when connecting the two wires from the swtich, then the switch is not functioning properly…
Will sort this out this winter.
re LEDs - They are brighter per watt, but very directional. The site I posted earlier shows how to overcome this problem for old lamps like ours with reflectors. The sideways pointing LEDs illuminate the whole lens just like a normal tungsten bulb, while the straight on LEDs give the brightness over a long distance. I’m not sure if I explained that clearly, but I know what I mean!
One snag I noticed, when following the car, is that the brake lights ‘stutter’ slightly when the brake pedal is trailing - partially pressed. I guess this is due to the switch not being 100% on or off i.e slightly dirty/pitted contacts on the brake switch. This would not be visible with ordinary bulbs as they do not respond fast enough. Doesn’t seem to cause a problem with reliability.
Jeremy