[V8] Ghost in the brake light switch

[urq]

The first thing I'd recommend you verify is that the brake pedal is
returning to the stop.  I suspect it is, but it may not be, and that would
be something to investigate and fix first.  

IME the threads on the switch (plastic) can wear over time and make it so
that the switch gets pushed out of position when the pedal pushes the switch
open.  If this is what is happening a new switch should help, but me being
the cheap bastard I am, I'd probably try to flatten the spring steel "nut"
that holds the switch in place to tighten the threads.

The tip to the switch is supposed to be rubbery; you may want to make sure
it isn't deteriorating ... or missing.  Here again, a new switch would
repair this ...

Steve Buchholz

-----Original Message-----

My daughter goes off to college with the V8.
Calls this week and says the battery has gone flat. Apparently she  
hasn't left any lights on.  A big mystery.
I send her the charger and jumper cables and she notices that as soon  
as the car runs, the brake lights come on.
(No, she doesn't have her foot on the pedal!! :)
Anyway, I have seen this before, but I thought I'd fixed it by   
adjusting the switch.
The problem is, that the car is very sneaky. You'll leave it all quiet  
and after you've gone inside the lights will suddenly come on. No,  
really, this actually happens.
Anyone have any input on this, or should I just buy a new switch?

It kinda reminds me of an old Porsche 912 I had, where the car would  
actually try and start while i was walking away from it.
Actually crank over!!   It was all solved when I replaced the ignition  
switch!!

Mark.