Brake Light Problem - 95 Monte

[Stewart in CO]

Ok, I'm confused. The brake seem to be possessed. The center one over the rear deck works but the left and right ones only work intermittantly. Sometimes the left and center one come on, sometimes the right and center, sometimes all three work. I'm thinking it could be the switch on the brake pedal but I'm not sure how to check it. Any ideas?

[CEO Wrench]

Originally Posted by Stewart in CO

Ok, I'm confused. The brake seem to be possessed. The center one over the rear deck works but the left and right ones only work intermittantly. Sometimes the left and center one come on, sometimes the right and center, sometimes all three work. I'm thinking it could be the switch on the brake pedal but I'm not sure how to check it. Any ideas?

You have the same problem that was addressed a few weeks ago by another thread. I'll repeat my advice:

You will either need to replace the turn signal switch, or possibly you can fix it. Here's why the switch usually fails: there is a small plastic tab on the switch body (located behind the steering wheel) that breaks off, causing the rotating mechanism to lose contact with the switch body, or only contacts it intermittently. If you jiggle the switch lever forward and backward, the brake lights and turn signals may work properly.

I have replaced these switches before, but figured out a cheap but effective way to fix it instead.

Here's how: I first carefully snipped off the switch tab I mentioned earlier(on the right side), then drilled a small hole where the tab was, and put in a very small round-head fine-thread screw (approx 1/16" diameter by 1/2" long) in far enough to hold these two pieces together enough for them to maintain continuous contact. It worked beautifully, and saved pulling the entire switch out of the column, plus the $60+ for a new switch.

PS - You will need a wheel puller, but you can make an inexpensive steering wheel puller using a large thick flat washer with two holes drilled that are spaced apart the same distance as the two threaded holes in the steering wheel. Get two metric bolts that fit the steering wheel threads, and screw them in evenly. You may need to insert a spacer or two between the steering shaft and the washer, but as you tighten the two bolts, the wheel will pop off.

[Stewart in CO]

Is this tab on the front or back side of the unit? I see 3 plastic tabs that hold the 2 pieces together. They are about 1/16" wide.

[CEO Wrench]

Originally Posted by Stewart in CO

Is this tab on the front or back side of the unit? I see 3 plastic tabs that hold the 2 pieces together. They are about 1/16" wide.

You have probably identifed the tabs I was referring to. They are on the back piece facing forward, and hold the two pieces together. Look carefully at them; you will probably see that one has the little hook broken off or worn off that overlays the forward piece. It's usually the one that would be toward the passenger side of the car. This is the one you can replace with a very small screw that has a flat underside - enough to overlay the forward piece and hold them together when you screw it into the hole you must drill.
Good luck!

[Stewart in CO]

Originally Posted by CEO Wrench

You have probably identifed the tabs I was referring to. They are on the back piece facing forward, and hold the two pieces together. Look carefully at them; you will probably see that one has the little hook broken off or worn off that overlays the forward piece. It's usually the one that would be toward the passenger side of the car. This is the one you can replace with a very small screw that has a flat underside - enough to overlay the forward piece and hold them together when you screw it into the hole you must drill.
Good luck!

Thanks for the great help. The piece isn't broken but it only works intermittently. I will try your fix as a replacement switch is now $107!

[CEO Wrench]

Originally Posted by Stewart in CO

Thanks for the great help. The piece isn't broken but it only works intermittently. I will try your fix as a replacement switch is now $107!

Hey, glad to help. Good luck!