The brake lights should work with the ignition or lights ON or OFF.
Do they go off when the ign is ON? If so, then they are probably wired wrong. Make sure that it is wired like the wiring diagram.
> 1954 Wiring DiagramIf they go off when the lights are ON, then there may be two problems ...
1) The brake lights may be wired to the tail light filament with the low level brightness; and the tail lights to the filament with the high brightness. The brake lights should be to the filament with the high brightness. The bright filament will mask the dimmer filament when they are both on.
2) There is a wiring or mechanical problem that is keeping the brake lights on all the time.
If they are on all the time, then check these ...
> The two wires to the switch may be reversed with the hot going to the lights instead of to the switch. Switch them to test.
> Make sure that the brake light switch is screwed tightly to the toe pan. Access the screws from the interior side of the pan. If it's loose, the switch will swing down and release the switch arm to the ON position. (Don't ask me how I know this)
> Make sure that the brake pedal arm return spring between the arm and the frame is pulling the pedal all the way back. (Don't ask me how I know this, either) Release the brake pedal slowly to test. If released with a thump, or while driving, it will move the pedal arm fully and turn off the brake lights. Replacement spring is available at most suppliers. Universal springs at FLAPs.
> Does the arm have a rubber bumper on it that bumps against the firewall when the pedal is released? I don't believe that it should have one. It will keep the arm from retracting all the way and keep the brake lights on. The clutch arm should have a bumper.
If those don't cure the problem, then remove the switch and test it with a multi meter or a test light. If it works, then the arm may need to be bent a little (?). If it doesn't work, then replace it.
- Lonnie
