6.

Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Automotive – Electrical Systems

Topics covered in this presentation:

 Brake and Reverse Switch Types and Construction
 Basic Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights
Electrical Schematics

ClassAct SRS enabled.

6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Typical Brake/Stop Bulb

Brake/ stop lights warn that Filaments Glass
Automotive – Electrical Systems

brakes have been applied.

Supports
3 and 4
Single or twin (shown) Supports
filament bulbs are used. 1 and 2

Cap
Stop bulb filament is
rated at 21 watts.

Contacts
Next >
6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Question 1
How many contacts are there on the base of a twin filament light?
Automotive – Electrical Systems

Enter your answer and press SEND.

6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Question 2
What is the power, in watts, of a brake light filament?
Automotive – Electrical Systems

Enter your answer and press SEND.

6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Plunger Type Brake Switch

Switch mechanically Brake
Automotive – Electrical Systems

switch
linked to brake pedal.
OFF
12V RUN
Brake
START pedal
Ignition (not
(pressed)
pressed)
Switch connects switch
between ignition switch
and brake lights.

Switch closes when

brake pedal pressed.

Brake lights Next >

6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Hydraulic Pressure Type Brake Switch

Spring
Switch operated by
Automotive – Electrical Systems

OFF
hydraulic pressure. 12V RUN

START
Ignition switch
Switch screws Terminals
into brake pipe. Brake lights
Hydraulic
pressure
Switch connects
between ignition switch
and brake lights.
Screw
thread
Contact
Switch closes when
Brake switch
brake pedal pressed.
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6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

The Reverse Switch

Switch operates Reverse lights
Automotive – Electrical Systems

reverse lights. Ignition switch Terminals

Lights illuminate area

behind vehicle and warn
that it is moving backward.

Reverse
Switch is mounted switch
on gearbox.

Switch connects
between ignition switch Plunger
and reverse lights.
Reverse
Reversenot
selected
selected
Selection of reverse position Reverse gear
selector rod
pushes plunger against
terminals to complete circuit. Next >
6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Question 3
The reverse switch is operated by hydraulic pressure. Is this
Automotive – Electrical Systems

true or false?

Answer True or False.

6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Typical Interior Lighting Systems Bulbs

Single contact, small bayonet cap
Automotive – Electrical Systems

and festoon types bulbs used. Festoon bulb

Glass Contact / cap

Contact / cap
Festoon bulb has tungsten
filament, between two supports.

Supports connect to metal end

caps, which also act as contacts.
Support Support

Power range, between Filament

3 and 15 watts.

Next >
6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Question 4
What is the maximum power, in watts, of an interior festoon light?
Automotive – Electrical Systems

Enter your answer and press SEND.

6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Simple Vanity Lighting Operation

Circuit consists of a
Automotive – Electrical Systems

battery, a fuse, a bulb,

and a switch. Battery Fuse

When switch is off

(open), light is off.
Switch

Vanity
light
When switch is on
(closed), light is on.

Next >
6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Typical Simple Interior Light Schematic

Circuit consists of a
Interior light
Automotive – Electrical Systems

battery, a fuse, a Fuse

bulb, a switch and
door contacts.

Switch is usually Battery ON OFF ON

slide type with
3 positions.
1 2

Number of doors Slide switch

equals number of
door contacts.
Door contacts
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6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Simple Interior Light Operation

Switch in off position, Light on
off
Automotive – Electrical Systems

light is off.

Switch in right ‘on’

position, light is
permanently on.

Switch in left ‘on’ Switch

Switch
on off
Switch on
position, light is on
when door contact Contact closed
is closed.

Next >
6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Question 5
How many positions can the slide switch for a interior light
Automotive – Electrical Systems

system be placed in?

Enter your answer and press SEND.

6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Interior Light Operation with Time Delay

Some circuits use a time delay relay, so that the light stays on, after the door
Automotive – Electrical Systems

contact has opened.

Wait

Time delay relay

open, relay
Door closed, relaycontact
contactcloses, light onfor 5 seconds, light on
stays closed

Next >
6. Brake, Reverse and Interior Lights

Summary
You should now be aware of:
Automotive – Electrical Systems

 Brake and Reverse Switch

Types and Construction

 Basic Brake, Reverse and Interior

Lights Electrical Schematics

End >