how do I adjust brake lights?
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New User
Joined: Sep 2011
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how do I adjust brake lights?
I have a '93 F150 and recently I noticed people constantly tailgating me when I stopped slowly. I checked and my brake lights don't come on until I have the pedal pushed down pretty far, my trailer brake control also kicks on late.
How do I adjust it so my lights kick on sooner?
How do I adjust it so my lights kick on sooner?
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,491
Likes: 2,806
Looks like you have a mechanical switch:
NAPA AUTO PARTS)
Should be on the brake pedal arm or nearby.
Find it, inspect it, replace or adjust it.
That's my wag.
Good luck with it.
NAPA AUTO PARTS)
Should be on the brake pedal arm or nearby.
Find it, inspect it, replace or adjust it.
That's my wag.
Good luck with it.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville FL
My 86 had the same problem. I put a new switch on it but didn't help much. New brake booster fixed my issue. The pedal didnt have enough pressure to engage the brake switch before the new booster.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
From: Toledo, Ohio
Did your brakes work fine otherwise? I have the same issue with the lights coming on late. Someone once pulled up beside me and told me I had no brake lights. I thought that was impossible as I do a pre-trip every day. That is when I found out how late they actuated. I replaced the switch and even the little teflon bushing that goes into the mess of a pin and switch... still no fix. I sorta gave up on it after that.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville FL
Did your brakes work fine otherwise? I have the same issue with the lights coming on late. Someone once pulled up beside me and told me I had no brake lights. I thought that was impossible as I do a pre-trip every day. That is when I found out how late they actuated. I replaced the switch and even the little teflon bushing that goes into the mess of a pin and switch... still no fix. I sorta gave up on it after that.
Yep brakes worked fine. Pedal went down farther than normal though. ( I didn't know it wasn't normal at the time)
When driving around with light brakes they didn't come on. With hard brakes or with truck turned off( stiffer pedal) they worked fine.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 632
Likes: 40
I'm having this issue also and after Google searching I found a solution someone else had posted. The switch is activated by pedal pressure on the booster rod, which moves so easily when engine is running (vacuum to booster) that the rod moves before allowing switch operation. The fix I just read about an hour or so ago was to drill a small hole thru booster rod and use a light throttle return spring attached under dash to create enough resistance on rod to allow switch activation sooner. I think if drilling proves to be a pain, a small clamp around rod would secure spring also. I plan on trying this tommorow when I get home.
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FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,339
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From: Seaside, Oregon
I'm having this issue also and after Google searching I found a solution someone else had posted. The switch is activated by pedal pressure on the booster rod, which moves so easily when engine is running (vacuum to booster) that the rod moves before allowing switch operation. The fix I just read about an hour or so ago was to drill a small hole thru booster rod and use a light throttle return spring attached under dash to create enough resistance on rod to allow switch activation sooner. I think if drilling proves to be a pain, a small clamp around rod would secure spring also. I plan on trying this tommorow when I get home.
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 632
Likes: 40
Just added spring - problem SOLVED. I used a small screw clamp around circular part of rod to hold spring (rather than drilling). Had to experiment with a couple springs ended up using one a lot stiffer than I tried at first. Works exactly as it should, lights activate with 1/4" pedal travel with truck running or not. Who knows, maybe a new booster would have solved this issue but the brakes are fine otherwise.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2010
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Get an account on photobucket.com or similar and upload it to that. Then click 'go advanced' to post and click on the image icon at the top of the text area.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,179
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From: Pueblo, CO
hmm. when I got my '90 last week and I was following the guy back to his house I noticed the brake lights flickering once when he slowed to make a corner. haven't had anyone help me check the brake lights yet but after reading about LBS (late brake light syndrome) coupled with the rear ABS light and the brakes feeling a bit soft I'm wondering if a new booster might be in order for me. are they difficult to replace?
Senior User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Charm City
I'd like to see a pic of how the spring gets attached, my '90 F250 has the same issue as everyone else. The brakes work fine but the lights don't always come on. I've heard the screeching tires behind me a few times and then the person who almost rear-ends me will give me a dirty look when they go around! 