brake lights remain on

[mstrader]

On 94 escort gt, the brake lights are remaining lit during and after driving. Have to lift the brake pedal slightly to get the lights to shut off. Bad sensor above pedal? or bleeding issue? Any helpful hints greatly appreciated before I go replacing parts. Thank you in advance.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by mstrader

On 94 escort gt, the brake lights are remaining lit during and after driving. Have to lift the brake pedal slightly to get the lights to shut off. Bad sensor above pedal? or bleeding issue? Any helpful hints greatly appreciated before I go replacing parts. Thank you in advance.

Id check the sensor above the pedal be sure its in good position and working order. Usually if it is a fluid problem the brake light "inside" (the idiot lights) the car somes on. Alvin can give you better insight to this then I can though

[A. Souphound]

Originally Posted by mstrader

On 94 escort gt, the brake lights are remaining lit during and after driving. Have to lift the brake pedal slightly to get the lights to shut off. Bad sensor above pedal? or bleeding issue? Any helpful hints greatly appreciated before I go replacing parts. Thank you in advance.

Based on the light going out when you lift the pedal, IMHO the problem is not being caused by a bleeding issue, but a switch or switch linkage problem. The brake light switch is a plunger type, activated by the brake pedal. Any slop or wear in the brake pedal bushings, the master cylinder pushrod etc. will allow the brake pedal to rest on the switch plunger and activate the light. I suggest the brake light switch be adjusted to create a gap between the brake pedal and the switch while the brake pedal is in it's normal resting position.

[chevyn0va1]

Originally Posted by A. Souphound

Based on the light going out when you lift the pedal, IMHO the problem is not being caused by a bleeding issue, but a switch or switch linkage problem. The brake light switch is a plunger type, activated by the brake pedal. Any slop or wear in the brake pedal bushings, the master cylinder pushrod etc. will allow the brake pedal to rest on the switch plunger and activate the light. I suggest the brake light switch be adjusted to create a gap between the brake pedal and the switch while the brake pedal is in it's normal resting position.

Ok so I was close you just said it better-lol

[A. Souphound]

chevyOva1,
We agreed, and that is good. I just added the appendage as a word of caution about the possiblity of worn parts.
All the best,

[mstrader]

Thanks for the suggestions. There are two plunger sensors above pedal. I shifted the lower one toward the pedal to give it a tighter push. Either that was the wrong plunger or I didn't give it enough movement b/c while it seemed like I'd fixed it in the driveway, the brake lights were staring at me this morning walking into work. But it seems like a simple enough fix so thanks for the help.

[A. Souphound]

FYI: The other switch is for the cruise control.

[chevyn0va1]

I didnt even know about the other plunger alvin now i do

[A. Souphound]

I learned from mstrader on a 94 the switches are above the pedal, not below as my guide suggested. He got the gist of what was said, and that's the main thing. Car manufactures like to move this stuff around below, above, left, right etc. to give us guys something to look for.......lessons learned eh?
Regards,