Odd Brake Pedal Switch Problem
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Redmond, WA
Odd Brake Pedal Switch Problem
1997 E-150
My brake pedal switch is exhibiting odd behavior, even after replacement.
When I put the smallest pressure on the pedal, the brake lights come on. So far so good. When I increase pressure, the lights stay on. Still Good.
When I let off some pressure, but not all of it, the brake lights go out even though the brakes are still activte. As I tow a travel trailer, this means that the trailer brakes suddenly let go before the van brakes, causing a bit of a jerk forward which is very annoying and slightly dangerous. Mostly it makes me look inept.
It looks to me like this could be a design problem, in which case the answer is simply to switch to a plunger-type switch that is attached to the vehicle instead of to the brake pedal.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks,
--William
My brake pedal switch is exhibiting odd behavior, even after replacement.
When I put the smallest pressure on the pedal, the brake lights come on. So far so good. When I increase pressure, the lights stay on. Still Good.
When I let off some pressure, but not all of it, the brake lights go out even though the brakes are still activte. As I tow a travel trailer, this means that the trailer brakes suddenly let go before the van brakes, causing a bit of a jerk forward which is very annoying and slightly dangerous. Mostly it makes me look inept.
It looks to me like this could be a design problem, in which case the answer is simply to switch to a plunger-type switch that is attached to the vehicle instead of to the brake pedal.
Any thoughts on this?
Thanks,
--William
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Hi William and welcome to FTE 
Was the replacement switch a genuine Ford part?
I really dont know what else to suggest as I've never seen that problem. Hopefully someone else here will have some ideas.
Was the replacement switch a genuine Ford part?
I really dont know what else to suggest as I've never seen that problem. Hopefully someone else here will have some ideas.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
My 2001 F150 Does this too. I am thinking that it is a design flaw in the switch. And yes, it does jerk the heck out of the truck when you are almost to a stop then ease off of the brake a bit, then reapply them. Kinda like a mild case of whiplash.
Jimmy
Jimmy
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 285
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From: Maryland
Kind of an off the wall point of interest.
I make an assumption that all switches now are simple mechanical switches on the actual brake pedal assembly.
My Dad's 1956 Ford had a switch on the master cylinder. It worked from the pressure of the fluid. That seems like a better way to actually keep the vehicles brakes in tandem with the trailer brakes.
Chip
I make an assumption that all switches now are simple mechanical switches on the actual brake pedal assembly.
My Dad's 1956 Ford had a switch on the master cylinder. It worked from the pressure of the fluid. That seems like a better way to actually keep the vehicles brakes in tandem with the trailer brakes.
Chip
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