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Brake Light Switch

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by colojeepguy, Dec 24, 2017.

  1. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    [​IMG]

    So, my brake lights are not working AGAIN. The switch is bad again. This has because a every few months ordeal. I really think I'm just getting crappy replacement parts, but I can't believe they're only lasting 4-6 months.
    However, I can't see anything else wrong...

    1970 CJ5 V6
     
  2. jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    From where?
    I got mine from rockauto last fall. Zero issues/compaints
     
  3. 47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I had a similar issue. It was a real problem that i never solved correctly. I ended up using swinging pedals and when I did, made sure I got the YJ one that has the microswitch on the brake arm and not the pressure switch like original. Solved it for me.
     
    wheelie likes this.
  4. wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    I did what Chris did, many years ago. Never ever had an issue. Got to be a way to make it work with the through the floor pedal as well.
     
  5. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    Which brand?
     
  6. jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Yikes...thats a tough one to remember. I can look tomorrow at the soonest
     
  7. ronnie victor

    ronnie victor Member

    I got my low-pressure switch from ronfrancis.com. $30, but I love having to give only a gentle push to activate brake lights.
     
  8. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    OK here's a thought....the V6 Jeeps originally had TWO brake light switches, one up front on the left frame rail, and another on the same side about halfway back. Well on mine the rear one has been removed. Been that way since I got it in 1998. Does anybody know why they had two and is the missing one somehow causing a problem?
     
    Hellion and FinoCJ like this.
  9. wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    Perhaps one is to activate the brake lights and one is activate a brake warning light. Not sure if we had such a thing in our gauge clusters. If we did, mine never worked.
     
  10. Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    tripilio likes this.
  11. FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Fwiw my brake switches are set up just as you describe. Dont have a solution to your problem but I have always wondered the same thing...what are the two different switches for. The more rear one is only on the line that goes to the rear brakes and i think the front switch is on only on the front line. Redundant back up in case one of the reservoirs in the dual MC fails? Can't remember if the two switches are independently wired (parallel) on mine or in series. I almost wonder if I have one switch wired to one side brake light...with only one switch wired to both lights it would possibly draw twice the current and burn out the switch? Cant check my jeep as I am out of town...just thinking aloud.
     
  12. kaiser krawler

    kaiser krawler kaiser krawler

    I'm using a painless performance 80174. $20 from Amazon. Mine is at least 8 years old now
    and works fine. It's a low pressure switch. I still have the rear switch inline but not hooked up,
    never seemed to be a problem.
     
  13. Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    So, Glorious Leader said the exalted V6 is blessed with a redundant brake light system.

    [​IMG]
     
    Mr Vaughan, Downs and tripilio like this.
  14. Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have both . and they operate separate of each other . if one fails . the other will still give you brake lights
     
    cadwelder likes this.
  15. mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Mine always had one when I had it. Get the Standard from Rock Auto. Don't get the economy one. They have them in bullet of button style. Standard seen to make decent stuff.
     
  16. Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I put Silicone brake fluid in my Jeep, big mistake, I didn't want to get brake fluid on my fresh new paint if it leaked. Anyway I went through three or four switches before I got a silicone proof brake light switch from Ron Francis, even the first one failed, but they gave me another one to replace it, and it has been good for about four years now. Good luck.
     
  17. Karl Childers

    Karl Childers Member

    I use a a 1940's style Chevrolet brake switch that bolts to the underside of the floor and has an actuator arm that works off the the brake pedal. It is easy to get to through the master cylinder portal and works the nuts. Get'em right a NAPA, mine carries them in stock.

    1997913.jpg
     
    John Baird and Hellion like this.
  18. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    That's a big can of worms debated here before.
    But I've used DOT-5 silicone for 30 years with no problems whatsoever. Zero, none. Fewer problems than DOT-3 in fact.

    If it's a worry get a brake light switch for a Harley.
     
  19. colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    I ordered one of these.
    Hopefully it'll last.
     
  20. Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    The 80174 has a 20 AMP contact rating. Your stop lights (combined) would draw about 4 +/- amps total. This switch is adequate for the job but not all switches are equal..