Check Those Brake Lights

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Jun 16, 2016 | 08:30 PM

raytasch

Thread Starter

Believe Nothing

Joined: Jun 2004

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From: W. Central FL.

Check Those Brake Lights

Took Blue out for a run today. She ran well in 90 plus degree heat. Got into a couple miles of stop and go traffic when this young couple in a Mustang convertible pulled along side, gave the thumbs up and said,
"Beautiful truck, but your brake lights are not working."
So I pulled off, checked wiring, verified flashers worked so cautiously continued on my way, using flashers when stopping.
Damn pressure activated brake switch is two and a half years old and was working a couple weeks ago when I brought the truck home after dark. Oh, well, I was going to remake the rear brake line anyway.
So, y'all check your brake lights often The quality of the currently produced switches is not that great.

NAPA has the Echlin brand so I think I will try one of them. Not quite ready to fab up a mechanically activated switch yet.

Jun 16, 2016 | 08:36 PM

ALBUQ F-1

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 27,305

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From: NM

Wow! that's one of my biggest fears, not having brake lights.

Jun 16, 2016 | 08:52 PM

bobbytnm

Roast em' if you got 'em

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 22,044

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From: Rio Rancho, NM

Thanks for the reminder. I think my right rear isn't working. I keep forgetting about it until I'm on my way home after dark.

Also one of my indicators in my gauge cluster isn't working. I guess its time to bite the bullet and do some repairs.

I'll add them to my "to do" list for this weekend

Bobby

Jun 16, 2016 | 08:53 PM

JPMallory

Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2014

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From: Behind the wheel, IN

Sound advice for sure. I usually look for the glow against the back wall when I'm backing my truck into garage. I should probably start checking before I leave instead of when I get home..

Jun 16, 2016 | 09:07 PM

underthebridgejim

FTE fan

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 3,674

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From: paradise, northern calif.

Good tip Ray. I'm glad someone told you about yours B4 a mishap. It would be a good idea to check all lights B4 each cruise, especially when the truck is kept in a dark garage like mine . It's easy enough to check b4 opening the garage door and starting the motor. They lite up the door and front wall pretty good.

Jun 16, 2016 | 09:40 PM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

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From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by raytasch

Damn pressure activated brake switch is two and a half years old and was working a couple weeks ago when I brought the truck home after dark.

So, y'all check your brake lights often The quality of the currently produced switches is not that great.

Quality may have little to do with the problemo. This switch is notorious for getting gummed up with dirty brake fluid. When this occurs, it no longer works.

C1AZ-13480-A (replaced 0A-13480) .. Brake Lamp Switch (Motorcraft SW-24).

Applications: Myriad 1940/66 Passenger Cars/Trucks, 1961/66 Econolines & 1966 Bronco's.

There are dozens of genuine Ford switches available NOS .. These were either made in the US or Canada.

Jun 16, 2016 | 09:43 PM

abe

Fleet Owner

Joined: Dec 2000

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From: Central PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by JPMallory

Sound advice for sure. I usually look for the glow against the back wall when I'm backing my truck into garage. I should probably start checking before I leave instead of when I get home..

I do the same exact thing!

Ray, I bought one of those low pressure switches from Mid Fifty a couple of years ago. It failed. I put original one in. I must have been 30 years old, until Mid Fifty sent me a new one. I noticed my left rear is not working right now. So I have to it. The one filament must be out as the taillight in that lamp still works.

Jun 17, 2016 | 05:45 PM

Flat Ernie

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 322

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From: FL

I use switches originally designed for Harley Davidson motorcycles. They generally activate at a slightly lower pressure and seem to last long enough for me so far (knocking on wood).

Jun 17, 2016 | 06:05 PM

#10

oldmerc

oldmerc

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 1,538

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From: Edmonton,Alberta

I use a mechanical switch of the waterproof type used on heavy equipment . there only about 40 bucks

Jun 18, 2016 | 05:17 AM

#11

pweng1

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 1,350

Likes: 24

From: Maryland

I use a mechanical switch on most all mine for that reason. One of my trucks in the past had both, which may sound like over kill but they use to hand out some big tickets for that.