Re: [FWDLK] Brake light Switch question: 59 Dodge

[David Homstad <dhomstad@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

James,

I also had a similar problem on a 65 Coronet 500 I had many years ago. The
mechanical brake light switch under the dash stuck ?on?, overheated from the
continuous current, and partially melted it?s plastic case. Luckily, I
caught it after less than an hour, so my battery wasn?t dead. I replaced it
and made sure it was adjusted with very positive ?off? position.

If your 59 Dodge has a hydraulic brake switch activated by brake fluid
pressure, the only option is to replace it. If you have a mechanical switch
located on the pedal mechanism under the dash, it may only need some
adjustment so that the ?off? is not marginal.

If the brake lights stick ?on?, I think I would rather have a dead battery,
than be driving around not knowing that the brake lights are constantly on
and risking a rear end collision.

Dave Homstad
56 Dodge D500

-----Original Message-----
From: Forward Look Mopar Discussion List
[mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Garrett
Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2003 5:55 PM
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: [FWDLK] Brake light Switch question: 59 Dodge

I had a similar problem with my 57 Dodge while I still owned it.

In my case it actually happened after I had some brake work done after one
of my rear brake drums cracked.  Anywho, the mechanic that I used for the
brake work did a great job at adjusting them.  The car stopped as well as
anything I've ever owned (which I guess isn't saying a whole lot), but I had
the same problem with the brake lights.  I told him about it and he said he
thought the brakes might have been too stiff....in other words, no enough
play in the brake pedal.  So, he readjusted the brakes and said he also
would wire the lights up so they'd only come on when the car was started.

So that was my problem and what I had done about it....hopefully it'll give
you some ideas.

Garrett in balmy Central Ohio
----- Original Message -----
From: James <mailto:sartana@xxxxxxx>
To: L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2003 6:08 PM
Subject: [FWDLK] Brake light Switch question: 59 Dodge

Well, went out to start the Dodge and the battery was dead. Though initially
puzzled, I recalled a event that happened a week or so ago. I parked the car
outside and as I was walking back to the house, the brake lights came on. I
went into the car, fiddled with the brake pedal and they went off. Today, as
soon I hooked the battery charger up, I went back and sure enough, my brake
lights were on again. I fiddled with the pedal and off they went.

So...my brake light switch was replaced with a new NOS one about a year ago.
Should this be the prime suspect in my situation? This is a new problem. Has
not previously occurred in the 2+ years I have had the car. Thanks for any
thoughts.

James

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