Help... brake lights won't go off!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Help... brake lights won't go off!
I replaced the Power Brake Booster yesterday...and now the brake lights wont go out, even with the car off. I had to pull the fuse. Any idea whay could cause this?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 18
From: Panhandle FL
Re: Help... brake lights won't go off! (Triple Black 88)
You need to readjust the switch on the pedal.Brake lights on all cars will activate with the key off, I think it's a safety thing. :chevy
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
Re: Help... brake lights won't go off! (Triple Black 88)
There is a small electrical button that the brake pedal arm presses when you step on the brake pedal. Its under the drivers panel. You cant miss it. It sits very close to the brake pedal lever and this is what turns your brake lights on when pushed. I would make sure that it has a small gap between it and the brake pedal arm. The gap between it and the brake pedal arm should close enough as to depress when you just tap your brakes, but not touch the brake pedal arm when released. You might have disturbed it accidentaly when you unbolted the nuts under the dash to remove your brake booster. Hope this helps you. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Re: Help... brake lights won't go off! (86PACER)
Thanks guys, that helps a lot.I actually remember seeing 2 white button contraptions, so one of them must be the one. We got about 2" of snow today so I'll try to get to it tomorrow.
If 1 button controls the brake lights, what's the other one for?
If 1 button controls the brake lights, what's the other one for?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
Likes: 1
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Help... brake lights won't go off! (Triple Black 88)
I think I would seperate the booster from the master again and check the adjustment of the rod that interfaces from the booster to the MC. This is adjustable and if too loose would allow your pedal to hang lower then the previous booster.
Compare the new to the old using a straight edge and feeler guage. Adjust the new accordingly, perhaps allow just a little more slop to account for changes when under vacuum. May take a couple of trys.
Be careful, as too tight will drag the brakes (which might not be apparent until driven quite a bit and they heat up and drag hard).
Compare the new to the old using a straight edge and feeler guage. Adjust the new accordingly, perhaps allow just a little more slop to account for changes when under vacuum. May take a couple of trys.
Be careful, as too tight will drag the brakes (which might not be apparent until driven quite a bit and they heat up and drag hard).
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Re: Help... brake lights won't go off! (PeteL)
Pete, how do you adjust the rod? I already returned the old one for the Core refund so I can't compare, but let me add this. The pedal goes to the floor with out resistance and then stops the car like normal. The brakes were bled alond with a new MC about 2 mo's ago. Would this also have anything to do with the rod adjustment? If so, how do you adjust the rod?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 8,540
Likes: 1
From: And on the fifth day, subpoenas were served to Obama senior staff
Re: Help... brake lights won't go off! (Triple Black 88)
The rod has a nut end and can be screwed out or in. Out lifts the brake pedal, but can cause brake drag if too tight. In drops the brake pedal, but may not provide enough range for full braking.
You may have a seperate problem with bleeding and air in the system. Compare first to the immediate state before the change of the booster and try to match. Then work on bleeding to restore proper braking.
I can't tell you how many threads on this C4 forum I have read where air in the system was a major problem for the owner.
I had to adjust the rod on my new booster three or four time until I got the pedal where I wanted it. It's really not that much work to seperate the booster and try several adjustments...just a few turns at a time. Be careful of bending the brake lines on the MC, move just enough to allow the adjustment.
You may have a seperate problem with bleeding and air in the system. Compare first to the immediate state before the change of the booster and try to match. Then work on bleeding to restore proper braking.
I can't tell you how many threads on this C4 forum I have read where air in the system was a major problem for the owner.
I had to adjust the rod on my new booster three or four time until I got the pedal where I wanted it. It's really not that much work to seperate the booster and try several adjustments...just a few turns at a time. Be careful of bending the brake lines on the MC, move just enough to allow the adjustment.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 986
Likes: 99
From: Collegeville PA
Re: Help... brake lights won't go off! (PeteL)
Thanks for all the help!!! I will give it a try tomorrow. In no way am I a mechanic, so your help and instruction is greatly appriciated!!!
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