Brake Light Switch 560SL 1989

[Softball60]

I posted a while back that my brake light switch keeps coming on when I initially push on the brake pedal upon start-up and stays on till key is removed from ignition.

I have changed bulbs... but this did not fix the brake dashboard light from coming on everytime upon initial start-up. Once light comes on, it stays on till the engine/ignition is turned off.

Anyway I bought a brake light switch.


Keep in mind that I am 68 yrs old and laying on my back is not the easiest!!!!!so I want to make sure it takes only one (1) time to get it right.

It looks like it screws into the two oposing nuts (once the plug is pulled off) or is it more complicated? I know that there some critical distance between switch and pedal...I think it's in the repair book??

Your responses are important to me so anything you have is appreciated!!!

Softball60

[KCM]

Hi Softball60,

You are correct on how the switch mounts. The manual says the switch should actuate when the center of the pedal is pressed between 7mm and 20mm (approximately 1/4" to 3/4").

But what concerns me is you say the dash brake light comes on. This would not have a connection to the brake light switch at the pedal. There are two "brake" lights on the dash. One is the "BRAKE" light which comes on when the brake fluid is low or the parking brake is pressed (parking brake switch activated). Then there is the circle with two dashed lines around it, which indicates your front brake pads are worn down. There is also the "ABS" light which indicates a problem with the anti-lock brake system.

Changing the bulbs as you did first would only affect the "Exterior Lamp Failure" light in the center lower section of the cluster. I would check the brake fluid level to make sure it is full, and the parking brake to make sure it is fully raised.

[Softball60]

KCM,

Sorry I wasn't more clear. The light that comes on is the outside failure indicator. Everything else is okay. This has been haunting me for quite a while.

The moment I get in the car, start the engine and touch the brake pedal the dash light goes on!!

[KCM]

In that case, when you changed the bulbs, did that include the center high mounted stop light? That is one that can get forgotten. Also check the connections and sockets at the bulbs to make sure they are not corroded and have a good, clean connection.

I know how you feel. When something is not right with my cars, even if they are not major, it bugs me too till I get it fixed.

[Softball60]

KCM,

Thanks for the response. I have been through all of that a couple of times to no avail.

I can't think of what else it could be??

Will let you know when I change the Stop Light Switch.

Thanks

Softball60

[Softball60]

Changed the brake light switch!! Quite the job, laying on your back, etc....

Did not affect the "Outside Bulb Failure light dash indicator".

One thing that did occur is that the turn signals did not function..nothing to do with the stop light switch replacement but has to do with the hazzard light switch in the center console. Jogged it back and forth a few times and got my brake lights back.

After doing this the Outside bulb failure light did not come on, at least for a couple of startings of the engine and pushing the brake pedal... So know it must have something to do with the hazzard switch circuit..

Any thoughts on this are appreciated!!!!!!

Softball60