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Old 04-19-2014, 11:55 PM   #1
Fritz
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Default Brake light not working?

Hey guys, I have a stock '41 pickup. New wiring harness, new bulbs, new brakes. I've gotten everything to work, but the brake light.

The light will work when I jump the two wires at the switch with a jumper wire, but not when I press the pedal. I replaced the switch at the master cylinder, but the stop light still isn't coming on when I step on the pedal. Not even if I stomp on it.

Anyone have any ideas?
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Old 04-20-2014, 05:11 AM   #2
koates
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Default Re: Brake light not working?

Hi there, Looks like two faulty hydraulic stop light switches. Buy a brand new one at an auto store. Test the other two with your ohm meter and air pressure into them. Regards, Kevin.
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Old 04-20-2014, 07:26 AM   #3
Terry,OH
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Default Re: Brake light not working?

It is possible you have two defective switches. I would put an ohmmeter across the switch with the wires removed to see if you get continuity, when you step on the brakes. If not get another and try it with the ohmmeter before attaching the wires, if it goes bad quickly after the wires are attached there may be a problem with the loading going through the switch. I have heard that silicone brake fluid can make some of the aftermarket switches fail and Harley makes a switch for their bikes. Also may look for an original. The top one below is original.
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Old 04-20-2014, 08:39 AM   #4
G.M.
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Default Re: Brake light not working?

You indicated you have voltage TO the switch. Check for voltage on the other terminal of the switch when the pedal is depressed. No voltage, bad switch, voltage and the problem is from the switch to the bulb. G.M.
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Old 04-20-2014, 10:26 AM   #5
TJ
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Default Re: Brake light not working?

I quit using the hydraulic switches a long time ago. You can get a mechanical switch (lever type) that was used on the old Chevy pickups. You can mount it to the underside of your floor board and never have to worry about it not working. Some of the streetrod shops also sell the same switch. Cost is $15--20.
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Old 04-20-2014, 01:47 PM   #6
Fritz
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Default Re: Brake light not working?

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Thanks for the help guys. The replacement switch was a new one from NAPA. I went back to the garage after the service this morning (He is risen!), and checked. I guess somehow between checking the old switch and installing the new one, the bulb had moved around in the rusty socket and lost contact.

I wiggled it back in and it all works!
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