Brake problem?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 283
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Brake problem?
I just noticed something weird on my brake lights that I can't figure out. I recently took off the bed, fenders and what not to clean up the frame and do a bunch of other stuff. I thought at first I had a wire that was grounding or I spliced them back incorrectly because my turn signals were working, as are the hazards, but no brake lights. The I drove the truck a bit and as the brake seemed like it got more pressure the lights started working. It barely takes a block of driving before they work with no problem. Then when I parked and turned the truck off the brake lights wouldn't shut off. I had to step on the peddle a few times to make them shut off. Then they would come back on. After a few minutes it stopped. Could this be caused by air in the lines or something? My brakes work totally fine though and I had all 4 wheel cylinders replaced and a full brake job a few months ago.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,243
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From: Michigan
If it is a pressure type switch it sounds like it is getting ready to check out. I bought a new one at my local parts store for my 54 merc car (not a autozone or pep boys) they may have them just never checked.
Chuck
Chuck
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
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From: Santa Clarita
I don't know what type of brake pedal you have, however if you have a hanging pedal, you may want to put a return spring on it allowing the pedal to come back to the top. Sometimes if the pedal hangs, it still applies enough pressure to activate the brake switch.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 576
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From: Rockford, IL
It's got a wire running to it and one running from it I believe. On my 58 I have a hanging pedal so fixing this problem was easy. I put a brake light switch from a 84 Olds Delta 88 on my pedal.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
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From: Riverside, So Cal
Joe - The brake light switch is in the brake line to the rear, just behind the master cylinder. It has one wire in and one out. Should be easy to find when you're under there. They don't often go out. but yours sounds like it might be sticking. Easy replacement. You'll need to bleed the brakes again, of course.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
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From: Earth
You might want to try a lower pressure activated switch too if these other tips don't work. Painless Wiring has these and I think they are around $12.
My inline pressure switch never worked right. I ended up making a bracket and installing a plunger style brake switch from a '79 Ford, that is activated by my brake pedal.
My inline pressure switch never worked right. I ended up making a bracket and installing a plunger style brake switch from a '79 Ford, that is activated by my brake pedal.
Last edited by 53fatfndr; Mar 26, 2006 at 10:29 AM.