kfxinsd007 Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Does anyone know how the brake light stop switch works? I have a 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe (2 Door) and the brake light does not go off after the brakes are off. This has been a problem in the past that I cured by removing the bulb since the car is not driven on a regular basis on the street. Since then I have replaced the Master Cylinder all Six Wheel Cylinders and 2 Front Brake lines. Also i have installed a aftermarket turn signal package and changed out the rear light sockets in the fenders for the brake and signal 6 volt bulbs and are going to do the front marker lights next for flasher. I have checked and rechecked the original wiring and cannot find a short of any kind. The stop light switch is located in the brake line system on the driver side front frame rail (not the Master Cylinder) near the left driver side front wheel. Three Brake lines come together into a aluminum looking block and the switch is screwed into the top of it. Question: Does fluid Level control this? Question: Being 60 years Old does anyone know of a replacement that i could buy and try to fix the problem maybe it finally went bad? Any info would be appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg g Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 The switch is hydraulically operated like those on motorcycles and ATV's. If there is a piece of crud in its pressure sensor, it may not be releasing pressure when you take our foot of the brake. There is also a pressure relief port in the bottom ppf the master cylinder fluid reservoir. If this is restricted, it may keep pressure in the line to the switch. open the MC filer cap and then shine a light toward the bottom. You should see tow small holes in the bottom of the res, one behind the other. If you don;t see two distinnct holes fish around with a piece of wire till you find both. One passes fluid to the piston, and the other relieves the pressure when the brakes are released. New brake switches should be available at any Harley dealer or many ATV dealers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 I got mine at Napa. My car did the same thing. New switch cured it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 these are readily available through your local..for those serviced by Advance Auto Parts..this is your link: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_Brake-Light-Switch-BWD_3996867-P_422_R%7CGRPSESWAMS_673995722___ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merle Coggins Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 That's interesting... The one for Advance Auto that Tim links has one male and one female connection. I've been using a switch from Napa (SL133) that has two female connections. However, I've been having some bad luck with my Napa switches. I've gone through 4 in a year. They keep failing so that I have NO brake lights. They've warrantied them but it's a PITA. I keep a spare one around so I can swap it out and then take in the failed one to replace my spare. This reminds me that I have to take back this last failed one... Merle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Young Ed Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 Merle I suspect they must have a bad batch. Both my car and truck have Napa ones that have been on them for years. Hopefully your newest ones are from a newer batch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted July 20, 2009 Report Share Posted July 20, 2009 sometimes these pictures are not 100% identical to the one for your application..I have seen these in many terminal configurations inlcuding wire terminal, spades, bullets (mixed) and through eye with pinch screw.. one should be able to go to the store, request the paper page booklet and pick out from the picture the exact configuartion one would need to stay with stock wiring.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveplym Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 You could always go the mechanical switch route. I did that with my car and I'm extremely happy with it. Watson street works has one, there are others available too. http://www.watsons-streetworks.com/brake_switches.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
central52 Posted July 21, 2009 Report Share Posted July 21, 2009 Yes, I too installed the mechanical brake switch. I also got it from Watson's. I think they are more reliable than the old hydraulic system. A little pain to put them on, tho, but in the long run, well worth it. Ed P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kfxinsd007 Posted July 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Thank you all for the valuable information - Will have to make a decision after a couple of car shows this weekend. Will check out the master for blockage if none try and replace sensor and if it is still a pain go the mechanical route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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