Brake Light Switch Help Needed
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
Brake Light Switch Help Needed
WIll someone please send me a picture of a brake light switch that is installed on a 66 F100. I have heard it should be by the brake pedal, also that it should be by the master cylinder. I know what the part looks like but cant find it on my truck anywhere. My brake lights dont work so I figured I would start with the switch but cant get past that. Please help!
Thanks
Brian
Thanks
Brian
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 2
From: Wahpeton ND
66 should be on the master cylinder. Its the little round thing on the front of the master cyl. Use a channel lock to pull it out. I replaced mine and they still didint work. Turned out to be corrosion on the terminals that caused it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
It's a pressure operated switch and should be mounted on the master cylinder with 2 wires connected to it. According to the catalog fits 53-66. If recall, purchased mine from local Napa parts store. If not, FTE sponsors National Parts Depot (NPD) or Carolina Classics carries them.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
ah ha. THat might explain the 2 wires I have hanging loosely next to the master cylinder. Is there any chance I just dont have the switch on there? Would I see that somethis is obviously missing from the master cylinder?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 52
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From: Jacksonville FL
There is no threaded opening on my master cylinder. The person who had the truck before me had all of the brakes/system redone. Is there a chance that they put on a different master cylider and never hooked up a brake switch?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Hard to tell, perhaps a later model, or aftermarket setup. If you can post pic's perhaps more knowledgeable member would know. May try tracing the wires coming off the 'turn signal flasher unit' and see where it takes you.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 231
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From: Gaffney, SC
If you do have a new master cylinder, no worries. You can easily install an inline pressure switch on the brake lines near the master cylinder. Painless wiring has one for about 10 bucks that works great.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 3
From: Elizabethtown, PA
Does your master cylinder have one or two steel lines coming out of it? Original had one line with the switch threaded into the end of the cylinder. If someone upgraded to the much safer two line system then the switch would have to be moved elsewhere as I don't know of a dual circuit master that has a switch provision, though that doesn't mean one doesn't exist that would work.
You can either plumb in a T fitting for the hydraulic switch or add an electric pedal mounted switch. Some choices and ideas can be found on my disc brake swap page: f100discs
You can either plumb in a T fitting for the hydraulic switch or add an electric pedal mounted switch. Some choices and ideas can be found on my disc brake swap page: f100discs
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 2
From: Wahpeton ND
Then you have the 67 and up dual master cyl. It is a safer design due to its use of two hydraulic circuits.
You have two options.
1.) splice off the line and install an inline pressure switch like the original which will work.
2.)Go junkyarding and install an electrical contact switch from an 80's pickup (preferable).
The old pressure switch requires a lot of pressure to activate and tends to gum up and wear out over time reducing the efficacy. They work but I realy have to lay into the brakes to get the lights to come on. If you want to learn more just ask.
You have two options.
1.) splice off the line and install an inline pressure switch like the original which will work.
2.)Go junkyarding and install an electrical contact switch from an 80's pickup (preferable).
The old pressure switch requires a lot of pressure to activate and tends to gum up and wear out over time reducing the efficacy. They work but I realy have to lay into the brakes to get the lights to come on. If you want to learn more just ask.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Thru 1966, the brake (stop) light switch mounts either directly to the master cylinder, or to a brass fitting that threads into the master cylinder.
The switch: C1AZ13480A (Motorcraft SW4) is the same 1948/66 car & truck.
This is a pressure switch which is activated by brake fluid which is forced into it by the pedal.
This switch is notorious for gumming up.
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1967 was the first year for dual master cylinders (all cars and trucks).
1967 thru at least 1990: The brake light switch mounts on the brake pedal, and there are quite a few different switches.
btw: Are you sure this is a 1966? If the 6th digit of the VIN is a letter, it isn't.
1967's came out in September 1966, and some states titled trucks the year they were introduced. Which means a 1967 sold thru 12/31/1966 could be titled as a 1966.
The switch: C1AZ13480A (Motorcraft SW4) is the same 1948/66 car & truck.
This is a pressure switch which is activated by brake fluid which is forced into it by the pedal.
This switch is notorious for gumming up.
---------------------------------------
1967 was the first year for dual master cylinders (all cars and trucks).
1967 thru at least 1990: The brake light switch mounts on the brake pedal, and there are quite a few different switches.
btw: Are you sure this is a 1966? If the 6th digit of the VIN is a letter, it isn't.
1967's came out in September 1966, and some states titled trucks the year they were introduced. Which means a 1967 sold thru 12/31/1966 could be titled as a 1966.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 581
Likes: 1
From: Montana
my 2 cents. check the brake peddle under the dash, the po may have installed an after market switch or one from a newer truck there. also one of the wires that are hanging by the master cylindar is supposed to be hot or live if you will. if they are both dead then it could be a fuse or rerouted altogether.if there is nothing under the dash by the brake peddle then do Orange 63's suggestion. quite easy to do, a ( T ) in the line with a connection that the sender can screw into and problem solved. Dutch
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