Different length brake light switches?

[reelizmpro]

My 91 vert has been converted to manual and has the (wide) brake switch but I noticed it doesn't quite make contact with the brake pedal. I have bent the bracket and used spacers all this time before wanting to correct the problem. I thought i needed to adjust the pedal height but I got another (slim) switch from an E30 and the plunger is a bit longer so it works fine. What gives?

[reelizmpro]

Realoem only shows one version for the 86-91 cars with like 4 superceded part numbers. However, they are not identical. The part number on the switch I pulled out is 61 31 1 378 209 which shows up in realoem but there's no model information. Going thru my stash, it turns out I pulled another switch just like it from an E30 but as you can see they are not the same length. I guess they expect you to adjust the brake pedal height.

[td325ic]

I had the same problem you are having but its actually a very simple fix

The plunger can be pulled back out to it's original length. Take some pliers and grab the shaft of the plunger and pull the plunger up to it's full height. It will take a little bit of force. I was afraid I would break the switch the first time but the plunger does pull up

Once you install the switch with the plunger fully extended, the brake pedal arm will push the plunger in to the correct length


.

[reelizmpro]

That's it. I'll be damned, the plunger IS adjustable. It all makes sense now. I pulled on it with pliers before but was worried i would break it. I searched and could not find that bit of info anywhere. Thanks.

[nando]

yeah, I was going to say, it's adjustable. actually, I probably didn't need to tape a washer to my brake pedal 10 years ago.. but it still works, so I haven't bothered to touch it.