Brake Light Problem

[Kkrutch]

I hav an '84 Mk1 GTi.  It's in pretty good nick and I got it for a bargain.

The brake lights are my problem.  THey only work when u press the pedal down quite far.  The car stops dead, then I press harder then they light up.  On later models I heard there's a switch that can be adjusted near the pedal.  My car hasn't got it.  Near the brake booster is a set of terminals that I presume are for the brake lights because when I disconnect them the lights don't work at all.

How do I set my car so that the lights come on when you touch the pedal lightly.  I'm paranoid about being rear-ended at a traffic light!

[4eyes]

I had the same problem on my mk.1,it`s something to do
with the load sensing valve not working,where it`s to I can`t tell you ,got a garage to replace mine.

[mk1]

Don't think it has anything to do with the load sensing valve . Check the brake light operation with the engine running as the brake lights are worked with pressure switches in the master cylinder and if the engine is not running, you don't have any servo assist. This will make the pedal feel hard and require a firm push to operate the pressure switches.
Steve.