Had someone tell me I had no brake lights today and thought it was just due to the 6V not being the brightest. I just checked them and they work but they require a lot of foot pressure to activate them........more than I use for a normal stop. I have not found any info on adjusting them. Any thoughts??

 

I would say it's the brake switch, they work on pressure. Might look into installing a mechanical brake light switch, it works off the pedal so it kicks on the light when you want it. I did this with my truck as the lights didn't come on till I was full strong on the brakes.

 

MTFlat posted a long time ago that a good soluton is to go to your neighborhood Harley dealer, and get a brake light switch for the rear brakes on one of them (all the same pretty much). They operate at a real low pressure.

Then again, your existing Ford switch may just be full of that black crap that's in the brake system, and simply replacing it will fix it.

 

Yes, pressure-activated brake light switches can be problematic like that. The mechanical type, off-the-pedal switch will cure the problem, but if you don't want to hassle with the extra switch mounting and wiring, they do make lighter pressure brake light switches, just for these problems. They are designed primarily for power brake applications, but will work with manual brakes, too.

 

If you have never replaced your braqke light switch, it might be time. Brake systems absord water and the switches tend to corrode and get tough to activate. They're available everywhere, cheap and easy to install....you just need to bleed the brakes out really well again (probably wouldn't hurt anyway).

Also, check the brake fluid level to make sure it is topped off!

 

I worked the pedal on and off a bit last hight and it became more responsive. I replaced the switch a couple years ago when I rebuilt the whole system. Is the plumbing with the low pressere switches compatable to the old stuff on our trucks?

 

Mechanical are better.

Remember too that 6v systems are inherently dimmer than 12v, especially the modern ones that today's drivers are used to seeing. The old lenses are also smaller, generally speaking. I know that on a bright sunny day other drivers are apt to not notice them until you've braked for quite a while. It's a thought that runs constantly through my head when some jackass is tailgating me. I'm always wary of younger drivers, and women in minivans. But that's a whole 'nother issue.

 

I was messing with my brake lights again, in my garage, with the shop lights off, I put my my panel truck approx 2 feet from the closed garage door. I was using the door to catch the reflection of light as I tested and low and behold,.... the reflection on the garage door was almost 12 inches lower than the level of the light as its mounted on my truck. Crap,....no wonder no one can see my lights,.....the lenses were in upside down.....
Sorry for the bold type

 

Well, at least it was easy to find and will be easy to fix!!!!! LOL!