Brake lights don't work - not the fuse. What is the best way to get to the brake light switch? Thanks Pietro
Pietro - the switch is located under the foot-pedal mounting unit located in the front compartment. You will have to remove the plastic-fiberglass shield to expose the brake booster and pedal unit. The brake switch has two wires attached. It takes a bit of wrestling to get your hand down below the pedal unit and to locate and remove the wires. It can be done. I suggest that you attempt to remove these wires and touch them together, which emulates closing the switch (as when depressing the brake pedal). Have a helper check to see if the lights come on when the wires are touched together. The problem may be related to the switch (unlikely - have not seen one fail) or adjustment of the switch. The switch has a long plastic threaded section that is used to mechanically adjust the on-off point of the pedal travel. The plastic locking nut may have come loose, allowing the switch to creep away from the pedal contact. One other thing to consider is the ground for the brake lights, located against the chassis in the rear of the car. Both brake lights, I believe, share a common ground. Check the integrity of the ground. Good luck. Jim S.
Jim, I will check all of the things you suggested. I have replaced my rear pads and in the process, the brake pedal did travel more than usual when the new pads were searching for their happy spot. this might have caused the brake switch to go out of adjustment. I will also look at the gound wire. As usual you are a wealth of information. Pietro
Jim - it was the switch (original metal type). Replaced it with a "nice" plastic one - I wonder if it will last another 38years ... Pietro
Pietro - the less you use the brakes,...the longer the switch will last. Glad you were able to identify the issue without great difficulty or expense. Jim S.
