Brake switch wires

TF39 · Post by **TF39** » Sun Jun 19, 2005 5:26 pm

The wires going to the brake switches on the Master cylinder were disconnected when I purchased My Thing. Does it matter where what wire goes to what switch?

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:39 am

Are your wires going to the brake switches still connected to the three slot female connectors? If yes they will only plug in one way. The length of the wiring also determines which plug goes into which brake switch. Although since the brake switches turn on when there is an imbalance in pressure between the two circuits, I doubt that it matters which plug is connect to which switch. K-mann

TF39 · Post by **TF39** » Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:35 pm

The wires are still inside the connectors. I did not know if hooking the front connector to either switch would make a difference. I guess both switches are the same.

Kubelmann · Post by **Kubelmann** » Tue Jun 21, 2005 4:33 am

Although these wires can actually go to eaither switch, you will notice that one plug has wire that are a bit longer and it originally went to the front (front is front of the car) brake sender switch. K-mann

Bucko · Post by **Bucko** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 1:41 pm

I currently have one bad switch (causes the brake lights to stay on even with the brake pedal depressed), and with only one set of wires connected, the brake lights still work. I also have the older 2 spade awitch; I'm guessing the early Military Things used these switches.

So, connect away, but lets hope they were not disconnected for the same reason as one of mine is. If the switches have to be replaced, you will loos a few drops of brake fluid (removing the gas tank makes working on the master cylinder easier), and you may need to bleed the brakes for air into the system.

Lets hope this was not the case.

TF39 · Post by **TF39** » Wed Jun 22, 2005 5:30 pm

I looked at the wiring harness with the switch connectors and sure enough, one is shorter than the other so it is not too hard tto figure out where each one goes. I just replaced the master cylinder,all the front brake lines (metal and rubber),front wheel cylinders and the long metal line running to the rear. Now I just have to replace all the rear brake parts. I found my brake warning light located on on the dash today. The former owner had a 4 inch by 4 inch flat magnet with a hotel advertisment on it covering the light.