Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: GreatPumpkin May 3 2016, 12:34 PM

Someone I work with told me today that everytime I shift my car my brake lights come on . I just replaced my clutch two weeks ago so I'm thinking I messed something up . I haven't really had time to look at it yet since I'm at work til later , but any suggestions on what to check first ? Haha it's always something isn't it ?

Posted by: Darren C May 3 2016, 01:25 PM

Start by taking a look at the brake light switch by the pedal assembly. May have come adrift (or a wire to it has) and is some how rubbing/moving/shorting when the clutch pedal is depressed.
Or maybe with your new clutch the new pressure plate spring pressure or recently adjusted clutch cable is pulling the pedal assembly over if your Pedal Assembly Bushes are worn enough to make the switch.

Posted by: AZ914 May 3 2016, 01:45 PM

The clutch is on the left. Just kidding.. did you replace the clutch cable? If so, I'd guess its caught up on the switch area as well.

Posted by: Darren C May 3 2016, 01:50 PM

The clutch cable is no where near the switch and cannot get "caught up" on the switch or its wires.

Lift the mat, remove the two allen socket head bolts, pedal rubbers and accelerator pedal, lift out the cover plate and take a look at what's happening to the switch while you press the clutch pedal up and down.

Posted by: rgalla9146 May 3 2016, 02:02 PM

I second that, my guess is that when you push the clutch pedal the brake pedal is moving down as well.
Cluster bushings ? or loose or maladjusted brake light switch.

Posted by: GreatPumpkin May 3 2016, 02:16 PM

Update : after work and getting out to my car to check it out I realized my brake lights are on all the time . Not just when I push the clutch in .

Posted by: GreatPumpkin May 3 2016, 02:18 PM

As in the lights are on the second I turn the car on without pushing anything .

Posted by: Darren C May 3 2016, 02:20 PM

CHECK THE SWITCH, by the pedals

Posted by: GreatPumpkin May 3 2016, 02:46 PM

Update : the switch may have been loose ? I took the pedal board off and felt back behind the brake pedal and tightend something as much as I could with my fingers and no more brake lights . Thank you guys

Posted by: 76-914 May 3 2016, 06:00 PM

Then it will come off again.

Posted by: era vulgaris May 3 2016, 06:15 PM

I would double check that your brake lights work now that you've tightened 'something' up, and at what point in the pedal's arc do they actually turn on. I set the switch on my car so they come on as soon as possible. You can check by looking in your mirrors in your garage with the key in the on position, and seeing when they light up the garage door behind you.
It's worth the 15 or so minutes of work to know that the minivan behind you with screaming kids and a driver that's on the phone knows you're slowing down.

Posted by: r_towle May 3 2016, 06:22 PM

Pull the fuse, what could possibly go wrong if your brake lights don't work...

Posted by: GreatPumpkin May 3 2016, 08:14 PM

Thanks you guys are smarter than me knowing I would be back on here haha. Lmao. Let me try this again and actually do it right .

Posted by: Darren C May 4 2016, 07:35 AM

Now were all wondering "what" you tightened up with your fingers????

The switch is held in place with two small screws, not easy at all to "tighten with fingers"

The only thing that you could get your fingers around easily is the rod from pedal to master cylinder adjusting nut in which case you have bigger issues now.

From your description of "something" and your general demeanour, I'd guess you didn't lift out the pedal cover board once you took the socket head bolts out, as its a bit of a Rubik Challenge, and you've been working blind???

Posted by: rhodyguy May 4 2016, 08:25 AM

Did you place the switch arm on the correct side? The switch detail, placement and switch adjustment (yes, there is a adj screw) is illustrated in your Haynes.

Posted by: r_towle May 4 2016, 05:21 PM

Posted by: rhodyguy May 5 2016, 02:34 PM

Might have been the adj screw. Loose jam nut? I got stopped by a sheriff because my brake lights "were on all of the time". Couldn't adj them to function properly. Then I noted in the Haynes picture that the arm was on the wrong side too.