[charbilly2001]

An annoying problem has cropped up on my 72. When I park the car in the driveway about half the time I have to lift up on the brake pedal to get the lights to go off. A quick inspection of the brake light switch didn't show me that there was any adjustment of the switch. Did I miss something or is it new switch time. I think that my neighbors are getting weary of knocking on my door to tell me I left my lights on again

Thanks, Bill

 

[tedixon]

My car ('65) has a return spring on the brake pedal to keep the brake pedal from laying on the brake light switch. The spring is supposed to pull the pedal up against a stop on the pedal mount. If you are missing this spring, that could be your problem. Just think how many people driving behind you think you are braking when you are not!

If the plunger on the brake light switch is sticking, even when the pedal is not resting on it, try spraying some lock oil (Lock-Ease-liquid, spray graphite product) on the plunger and working the plunger in and out a few times.

If the brake pedal is sticking, try greasing the pivot pin and maybe replacing the pivot pin bushings ($1 from Ground Up).

 

[JJ'65]

Exactly same problem I had on my MOPAR for a couple of weeks. After a while the brake lights wouldn't illuminate at all. Bad switch. New one obtained and I will be standing on my head under the dash later this morning.

In the '65 manual, it shows the switch with a screw-type adjustment of the switch which has a plunger that rides on the brake pedal arm

 

[John_Muha]

Yep it just screws in and out. If the 72 is a disk brake car, there is no return spring on the pedal. Switch just contacts the striker on the pedal arm. Should be able to get a switch from Kragen.

 

[charbilly2001]

John it is a disk brake setup. I kinda thought that I hadn't seen any adjustability when I looked at it. Ok its off to AZ for a new switch. Thanks all for the help! Bill

 

[Steve S]

It is adjustable on my 70 and I would think the 72 is the same. Remove the connector and screw it in a turn or two.

 

[Agugliel72SS]

On my 1972 Chevelle SS I have an adjustable which you can screw towards and away from the pedal. Had the problem last week and fixed it very easily.....

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ACES Member #2987
1972 Chevelle SS
1987 GTA
1998 Camaro SS (Y2Y)
1978 Pontiac TransAm