Experience Engines, transmissions, electrical, suspension, brakes, computer systems, radios, interior, glass and body work on late model Nissan automobiles
Question QUESTION: Brake lights are staying on when car is on or off and pedal is in full up position. There are two switches under the dash that make contact with the pedal shaft. I found the one that controls the lights. It must be pushed in to turn the lights off as it is located above the pedal. I bought a switch and installed it but problem still exists.
Where the switch makes contact with the pedal arm there is a hole and the button on the switch goes through the hole so there is nothing to push the button in. My conclussion is there must have been some type of grommet that has broken off or fell out of this hole and my switch was probably not faulty to begin with. 1) If so, where can I get one (autozone does not have them or even knows what I am talking about. There suggestion was to fabricate something in its place. 2) Is there a special tool to get to the jam nut that hols it in place. (adjustment nut) I had to brake the old switch to get a socket on it as it was not accessable by wrench. I will not be able to do that with the new switch.
ANSWER: Kevin,
You found the problem. In short, a wrecking yard would be the cheapest route or get one from the dealer. Now, you could fabricate up something as long as the brakes are allowed to come off in the full up position. You do not want the brakes to drag by having the pedal pressing on the system when they are off.
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QUESTION: I fabricated a part to solve the problem and all is working as it should. The problem was originaly discovered because the car would not start due to the brake lights staying on. After fixing the problem and driving the car for 2 days, it would not start again. I was having no problem with starting until this all came about. A jump would not start it either. I am getting no power at all, dome lights, dash lights, nothing. I will check the voltage on the battery next but do you thing this is a coincidence or could something have been damaged in this process ?
Answer Kevin,
If the battery is drained then something is taking it down. I would make sure the battery is charged first and then go from there. Autozone or Checker will do a free electrical load test if you can drive the car to them. Also, they will check the alternator, battery and starter if you remove them and take them to the store if you cannot get the car started. Lastly, if the car will not start and the battery is good check the fuses and fuse links at the positive batery cable.
