No brake lights!

Well I found out I have no brake lights on my 63 classic wagon. Traced it to the pressure switch on the master cylinder. I thought easy cheap fix, throw a new one in. I did, but it didn't fix it. How would the pressure switch not function? I have what sure seems like good brakes. The will lock up if I press hard enough. Any suggestions?

Put a jumper across the 2 wires to the break light switch and see if you have brake lights.
If no lights look elsewhere. Try the TSM for wire diagrams.


Nick

Try the test nickelone suggested first. If the brake lights work then (switch has to be on) it's the pressure switch. Sometimes the hole in the MC gets clogged and won't allow pressure to the switch. The replacement switches are usually junk for a daily driver. Typically lasts six months or so, which might equate to 5-10 years in a show/hobby car. I averaged 5000-7000 miles a year on my daily driver, so 2500-3500 miles... may last longer with occasional use though.

Easy to replace with a momentary switch on the brake pedal. You want a push-off (normally closed, or NC) switch. Mount under the dash so the brake pedal pushes the switch in when it's up, and the switch comes out as the pedal is pushed. That's the best way, but you can use a NO (normally open -- push-on) switch at the bottom. Has to e a long travel switch with some flex in the mount though, as travel changes with brake wear, fluid level, or if the brakes fail... not so sure you'd be concerned about brake lights with the last one though.