wiring question - brake light switch

[Vanspeed]

I have just completed wiring on my 31 and all was good. Everything checked out ok until I pushed the brake pedal. Light came on then blew the fuse. Took it off and cleaned it but it does the same every time, what could be wrong here? Something bad inside the stoplight switch? Correct bulbs, brand new wiring harness. Could something be wrong inside the switch?

[Mike V. Florida]

Originally Posted by Vanspeed

I have just completed wiring on my 31 and all was good. Everything checked out ok until I pushed the brake pedal. Light came on then blew the fuse. Took it off and cleaned it but it does the same every time, what could be wrong here? Something bad inside the stoplight switch? Correct bulbs, brand new wiring harness. Could something be wrong inside the switch?

Sounds like it. Remove the wire to the tail light and see if it blows the fuse. If yes you found your problem. If no, the fuse does not blow replace the wire on the switch and then take the bulb out and see if it blows the fuse. If yes then you have a wiring issue.

[Patrick L.]

Probably. Something is grounded that shouldn't be. Just unhook the wire to the brake lights and try it, if the fuse still blows its probably something inside the switch. These switches are easy to fix.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by Patrick L.

Probably. Something is grounded that shouldn't be. Just unhook the wire to the brake lights and try it, if the fuse still blows its probably something inside the switch. These switches are easy to fix.

Morning, Patrick,
On re-pro switchs, "seems" I remember that someone once posted about the terminal screws being TOO LONG & shorting out inside the switch???
If so, one could add additional small flat washers??
ALSO, sometimes we forget that MOST common terminal pliers have little threaded holes, where common size screws can be CHOPPED off, shorter.
FOOTNOTE: After Gregg's passing, I now have his MASSIVE automotive tool collection in the garage. I've found special tools that I don't even know what they're used for!!! I retired on disability in 1990.
Years ago I bought a guy's small Craftsman "road" toolbox, when he was broke & I stored it in case he wanted to buy it back. I just inventoried it & it has EVERYTHING I might ever need for stashing under Vermin's seat riser, except for a tire pump & a jack, that I already have!--Bill W.

[Tom Wesenberg]

On the terminal pliers and wire stripper that Bill just mentioned, it's probably self evident, but be sure you start the screw to be cut, into the threaded side of the tool. This way after you chop off the excess threads you will turn the screw back out through the threads in the tool, and this will fix the thread at the cut.

If you start the screw from the other side, I'll bet you won't do it a second time.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

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Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

On the terminal pliers and wire stripper that Bill just mentioned, it's probably self evident, but be sure you start the screw to be cut, into the threaded side of the tool. This way after you chop off the excess threads you will turn the screw back out through the threads in the tool, and this will fix the thread at the cut.

If you start the screw from the other side, I'll bet you won't do it a second time.

Love that last line, Tom---Great definition of "EXPERIENCE"! Funny thing, we NEVER seem to FORGET the classic screw ups we've done, my sub-total is, 2,817,313,941,777 & counting!! (HUSH, DOG!)---------Bill W.