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Brake lights always on

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KLUTZ

KLUTZ

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Well, in between hacking up the GT, I am trying to spend some time with the newest addition to the garage, the 71. Well it isn't a big problem now since I won't be driving it till the spring, as soon as the key is turned to the start position, and while the car is running, the brake lights stay on. I know there is not a switch under the pedle, like my TR7, so where should I begin to look. If it was a switch, would the lights not be on even with the ignition off?

Thanks

Paul
 
It is probably the switch. It is a normally closed switch. When the pedal is pushed, the switch closes the circuit. Sounds like yours is always closed. The switch body is actually outside the pedal box. If you unplug the wires the lights should go off.
 
The switch unscrews from the pedal box on the drivers side of the car. The clearance between the switch and the brake lever is 1/8". That is the brake lever should move 1/8" before the switch turns on. When you remove the switch (easily done) leave the lock nut alone and use it put the switch in at the correct length (if it is now). Use an electronic cleaner to clean the stem of the switch and make sure it operates correctly before putting it back in the car. Use a volt/ohm meter to test between the leads to make sure the switch is turning off and on.
 
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Actually, my wife said, "Don't think you are going to be like the other guy."

I think she was speaking of Sammyb.
 
On my '72, there is a upper part of the brake lever that is above the hinge and goes against the brake switch when the pedal is all the way up. If for some reason the pedal arm doesn't fully engage the switch, the brake light will stay on as the switch is a normally closed switch and is on when nothing pushes it to the off position. The switch could have vibrated out of adjustment or the spring that pulls the pedal all the way up could be off or broken. Also, I have had the push rod in the switch get corroded in there and not move.
Bob
 
Thanks all,
Day off tomorow so have to split it between checking out more of the 71 and hacking and grinding the GT.
I will take a good look at the brake system tomorow to try to figure this out.
Good leads though.

Paul
 
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