1990 Sovereign (XJ40) Brake lights?

My Jag's been "in storage" for several years and I'm just in the
process of making it roadworthy again.

The brake lights used to work, but now they do not come on. Everything else is working okay, and the only trouble indication I have isfor a burned out side marker light, and the fog lights I removed and did not put resistors in the plugs.

I've had all the electricals under the air-con fans - both sides - out
and in again, more than once on the passenger's side where all the
relays and other sparky stuff resides.

The fuses are all okay - other lights on the same fuse as the brake
lights are working.

Can anyone tell me where is the relay(s) for the brake lights located, and what's the best procedure to troubleshoot this problem.

I think this model has the brake light switch mounted as a mechanical switch behind/above the brake pedal inside the driver's area.

Any help is appreciated.

I suppose to keep this car running well I should buy a manual, like
Haynes or something. I have the online thingee from Jag Lovers but it seems to omit more than it shows, and is only good for the odd thing - not too comprehensive.

Do the Haynes manuals always have a wiring diagram of sorts?

 

The Haynes manual is like a Chilton's manual. I believe it does include a wiring diagraphm. That's probably what's need for all these "little" problems.

 

Hi Ken,

Canyou tell me where is the relay(s) for the brake lights located, and what's the best procedure to troubleshoot this problem?

Best regards,

- Tom

 

Check the switch at the top of the petal. I'll bet that's your problem.

 

Well I got out the ohmmeter to check the switch, and located a yellow 2-lead connector coming from the switch. So I went to pull it open and . . .hey, wait a minute - why is one of these wire terminalsprotruding out the back of the connector more than the other?

Put it back together properly - never even tested the switch - and voila - brake lights!

I love those repair that don't take all day and don't cost anything, hahaha.

Thanks for the inspiration, Ken.