[V8] Brake lights on when you're asleep.

[gbmarc at cox.net]

Some time ago I went through a saga of having the brake lights come on even after I'd parked and gone to dinner.
I performed a series of temporary fixes, like replacing the switch and adjusting the pedal position, but like a stray dog the problem would always return. This culminated in a call to my daughter at 2am from the campus police to let her know her brake lights were shining brightly.
The problem is, that the brake light circuit is not wired to the ignition and always runs the battery dead.
Well, I now have the real solution, and maybe it will help somebody else out there.

Forget the brake light switch and the pedal adjustment.  It's a cheap poorly designed plastic locking clip that inserts into the pedal bracket.
The switch is held in place, not by a nut, but by this plastic insert. The switch is under continuous pressure from the pedal to move backwards in this plastic insert. Over time, the two teeth on this plastic insert bend outwards and no longer grip the switch. The switch will then move back and no longer be in contact with the pedal. The switch clicks on, and in the morning your car will be as useful as the neighbor's dog turd on your front lawn.
Solution:
I'm sure you can purchase this dealer supplied clip for $49.95 somewhere, but a 1/2" hose clamp screwed around the plastic piece, locks it firmly in place and the police won't call you at 2am.
Just to be sure, I rewired the fusebox a little so the brake lights are now on a switched ignition circuit.
So if you see me rolling down a hill, with my engine off, don't expect to see any brake lights as I take that bend!

Mark.