Parking Light Switch

[yap123]

My parking light won't turn off while I'm driving. I suspect it's a defective parking light switch. How do I replace the switch below the parking brake handle? Thanks, Clint

[So Cal Mark]

often the ebrake handle gets tweaked towards the driver and misses contacting the switch

[yap123]

I've pushed the switch down with a pencil and it still doesn't go off.

[azruss]

there is a chance the wire has pulled away from the switch. you might be able to look down thru the slots and see. This is a grounding switch and could be bad.

[yap123]

Thanks, I looked and the wire is connected. But, I removed the switch to see how it functions. It looks like a simple open and close switch. When it's depressed, the circuit is open. Is that correct? Can this simple switch be bad or is it the electric wire leading to whereever is bad?

[GeorgeT]

Check your brake fluid level. In my '82 the light serves to warn of an engaged hand brake and for low brake fluid.

[azruss]

yes, when the hand brake is down and pushing on the switch, it opens the switch. As with door switches, when the switch is closed, it grounds the light

[yap123]

I have an 82 also. The brake fluid is at the low level line. I will add fluid and report back.

[yap123]

GeorgeT, Thank you. Adding brake fluid did it.

Now, how do I tweak my brake handle over the button switch. It's barely hitting it when I release it.

[So Cal Mark]

sit in the passenger seat and pull the handle with your left hand, simulating the same force that you had applied from the drivers' seat

[yap123]

Thanks

[donm]

Check the appropriate relay on the panel under the glove box. I don't have access to my car so I can't tell you which one it is but I had the same problem until I replaced the relay.