Questions and Answers

Ford Thunderbird Brake Lights Q. Hi, I've just noticed a brake light problem with my 1989 Ford Thunderbird. When I press on the brake pedal the light doesn't come on till it's down pretty far. When the car is off it works properly, but when you turn the car on, it doesn't. I replaced the brake light switch, still the same problem. You have any suggestions? Thanks, Ed

A. Brake lights are a very simple system. If you step on the brake and the brake light switch closes, the brake lights go on. In fact brake lights on most cars are hot all the time so even if the key is not in the ignition, they will still work.

It only takes about an inch of pedal travel to close the brake light switch. If you have that inch of travel the brake lights will come on, engine running or not. All I can suggest is to look under there and see if something is bent or twisted.