Issue pertains to a 1964 convertible, L76, 4 speed manual w/power brakes, and with back-up lights. I noticed this morning that with engine idling, both rear tail lights intermittently would come on for a few seconds (or less) and go off - as if a wire was loose and making enough contact to complete the circuit and delivering juice to the bulbs. No other lights were on or demonstrating a problem.
I drove home, parked in the garage, turned everything off. Checked the rear lights - they were off. Checked them 15 minutes later and the brake lights were on - bright - and the lens were warm (not hot) to the touch. I pulled the brake pedal up with my hand - it had no more than 1/4 travel - lights went out. Let the pedal sit and in less than a minute lights came back on. I lifted the pedal again - lights off. Just taping the pedal with my finger will turn the lights on. By the way, there has been no recent work on the brakes or electrical system and the brakes work fine, solid pedal, no mushy feel to it.
I suspect that it is the brake light switch that is going or has gone bad. But..... should there be any travel in the pedal at all? Could the brake pedal return spring be the problem and not the switch? Both parts are not expensive - should I replace both? Is there something else that might be causing the brake lights to come on?
I drove home, parked in the garage, turned everything off. Checked the rear lights - they were off. Checked them 15 minutes later and the brake lights were on - bright - and the lens were warm (not hot) to the touch. I pulled the brake pedal up with my hand - it had no more than 1/4 travel - lights went out. Let the pedal sit and in less than a minute lights came back on. I lifted the pedal again - lights off. Just taping the pedal with my finger will turn the lights on. By the way, there has been no recent work on the brakes or electrical system and the brakes work fine, solid pedal, no mushy feel to it.
I suspect that it is the brake light switch that is going or has gone bad. But..... should there be any travel in the pedal at all? Could the brake pedal return spring be the problem and not the switch? Both parts are not expensive - should I replace both? Is there something else that might be causing the brake lights to come on?
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