DodgeCharger.com Forum

Mopar Garage => Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, & Tires => Topic started by: Captain D on March 16, 2024, 07:21:45 PM

Title: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: Captain D on March 16, 2024, 07:21:45 PM
I'm looking to replace a brake light switch on my 69' Charger (automatic on the column) and just curious if there were any tips, ideas, suggestions, etc. for a beginner doing it for the first time. I like to learn / do it myself vs. having it done at a shop.

Thank you -
Title: Re: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: b5blue on March 16, 2024, 09:19:47 PM
Why?  :scratchchin:
Title: Re: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: Kern Dog on March 16, 2024, 09:40:48 PM
Quote from: b5blue on March 16, 2024, 09:19:47 PMWhy?  :scratchchin:

Uhhh...maybe because his brake lights aren't working.

Access isn't hard once you've cleared a path. If you're thin, you can leave the car intact. You just slide the seat all the way back and slither either atop the seat with the steering wheel in your chest or between the seat and the door hinge pillar.
 If you're like most people, it would be easier if you remove the seat and lay on the floor.
Title: Re: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: Captain D on March 17, 2024, 09:39:03 AM
Lol, I checked the bulbs, fuses, and wiring which are all fine but the brake lights just gave out. So, having a spare switch, I thought I'd try it next.

I'm pretty thin & should be able to reach up under there fairly well (but, I'll scoot the seat back). It looks to be straightforward, but just didn't know if there were any misc. tips to be mindful of for someone who has never done it before. I suppose the most selected part of the job is getting it where the pedal isn't too overly sensitive / mounted on the correct thread location and not being upside down when plugging into the terminal connectors.

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: b5blue on March 17, 2024, 09:54:12 AM
Pull the wire connector and test it before removing the switch. (Easy to do.)
Title: Re: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: Nacho-RT74 on March 17, 2024, 02:13:41 PM
The new switch can be tested without being installed plugging wires to it. Brake light switch is a Normally closed switch, so it should light up inmediatly

You can also jump out switch wires with old switch still in place to check if REALLY the switch is bad. If brake lights come on, then is the switch, but if don't, is not the switch.

If pink wire is energized it means you get power there.

Most of the times, the brake lights failure comes really from turning switch failure

Title: Re: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: Captain D on March 18, 2024, 11:55:34 AM
Thanks gents for the replies + info = much appreciated.

I had some time and swapped it out - looks like things are back to normal (lights are working). I'll back it out of the garage and go for a test run w/ a friend running behind watching. The only thing that held us up was the plug-in - are the two prong connectors interchangeable (we didn't see any markings which one should go to which, in other words)?

Thanks again as I enjoy learning and by doing.  :cheers:   
Title: Re: Brake Light Switch:
Post by: Nacho-RT74 on March 19, 2024, 03:45:22 AM
Yes, they can be installed in either prong