Brake Lights are gone

[Sonic dB]

[Sonic dB]

ahhh...this may be the problem here:

help! no brake lights

I will call Pelican in the morning.

[89911]

Get new pressure switches. This has recently happened to my brothers 87.

[Hugh R]

New to pcars, but the first thing I'd do is check all three bulbs, pull them and inspect the filaments. I think there's an electrical plug in the engine bay under the plastic fuse box cover that goes to the rear lights, check for voltage while someone steps on the brakes (ignition on I think), after that measure the voltage at the brake light switch, sorry, but haven't had to figure out where it is yet. Others will give their $0.02. Good luck, and report back.

[jrdavid68]

Does your cruise control work? It's on the same fuse.

[Ilan]

First of all, the cruise control shut-off is actuated by the same pressure switches that actuate the brake light. Anyhow, your problem sounds the same that I experienced twice. There are two switches which are installed (for safety) which are actuated by brake fluid pressure when you step on the brake pedal. Under pressure, the contact is closed, thereby allowing brake lights to come on, and to signal the cruise control system to disengage. These switches will corrode over time, especially if the brake fluid is old. If only one switch goes out, the system still works, so in your case, BOTH are out and should be replaced. Unless you can do this quickly (like my wrench) the procedure also requires bleeding the brake fluid after installation of the switches. And if your brake fluid is old, it may be a good idea to replace it.

Ilan.

[jrdavid68]

Originally posted by Ilan
First of all, the cruise control shut-off is actuated by the same pressure switches that actuate the brake light. Anyhow, ...

Last year, prior to running in the GGR's Time Trials, I had my car in for a tech inspection at a well-known shop in the Bay Area.

Everything passed except that my brake lights were not working. They did not have time to troubleshoot an electrical problem like that and said that I should make an appt. with them to have it checked out.

When I got home, I checked the fuses and saw that the cruise control is on the same fuse. Well, that made sense since on one of the last drives on the freeway I was unable to get the cruise to work.

I replaced the fuse and magically both the brake lights and the cruise control started to work.

Just an experience I thought was worth noting.

[Sonic dB]

Thanks JrDavid68...

I replaced the fuse and it didnt help. The lights come on only if I press really hard.....this is the symptom that is common to the pressure switches on the master cylinder as noted above.

I have some on order from Pelican and HOPEFULLY they will come in today so I can drive down and pick them up.

After that... the problem will be installing them quickly as to not let too much air into the brake system. I dont have the time or tools to do a bleed job today and need the car on the road for tomorrow.