Replacing brake light switch on my '86

[Norwester]

So I decided to tackle the problem I've been having with one turn signal not working. I finally found a broken wire and repaired it. No problem.

Not so fast......I checked all my rear lights and I have no brake lights. I figured the wiring was good between the lights so I suspected the brake light switch.

I got down there......what a job for an ole guy......and found the switch. I noticed that the plunger did not move back and forth when I actuated the brakes. It appeared to be all the way in, with no movement at all. I shot it with some silicone spray but I'm not expecting it to work.

I looked at pictures online and it looks like the plunger comes out a bit..maybe a 1/4 inch or so?

Am I right in determining that this switch is bad?

If bad, can somebody outline the best way to get to that switch and how to remove what is an apparently very difficult clip? Would removing the lower dash panel and dropping the column help?

Hate to think I've been driving around with no brake lights. Yowsa!

 

[Norwester]

Come on fellas.....I know somebody has replaced that switch....anybody?

 

[Georgeb]

If I'm not mistaken it threads out of the bracket after you unplug it. I am not sure if the bracket comes off. You will want to take that lower panel out. Unfortunatly the hanging up side down part is the challenge. I don't have access to my truck this week to take pics so hopefully others will help too.

 

[Georgeb]

Dropping the column may help but it will only go so far before its pulling on other wires.

 

[Norwester]

Thanks, George

 

[yevgenievich]

Dropping the column would actually help. You can see the switch in the following picture petween the column and the dash. If you pull really hard it will come out too as it has plastic threads.

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[Norwester]

Thank you Viktor.....I appreciate the picture

 

[flyboy1100]

i didn't drop the column.

just pull the lower cover, unplug the switch, pull out. push in new one, plug it in, take it for a drive.

 

[Norwester]

Didn't think it was that easy, Brandon....thanks for the tip

 

[yevgenievich]

Dropping the column just makes it easier to see. Not required