Olds Dad

Picked up a 55 S-88 4Dr sedan over the weekend - a cheesy backyard resto but it runs strong and is very driveable and looks good from 20 feet away at 20 mph...I noticed that the stop lites stay on after the brake pedal is released and I have to pull the pedal up (only about a quarter inch) and they go out - any thoughts short of a new brake unit (new one in the car according to the seller).

thanks

InfoJunkie

I had the same problem with a dailu driver I bought last year. After about a week the lights started shutting off on their own and it's been fine ever since. If it's been sitting for a bit, the switches get "gummed up" and a bit of use gets them "ungummed".

Rickman48

A squirt of WD-40 and moving it in and out wil usually correct it.
If you look, they can be adjusted, if necessary.

oldsmobum

If you have the stock setup, you will see what kind of looks like a bolt coming out of the brake arm near the top. That is the contact screw for the switch. In order for the brake lights to go out, that screw must make contact with that switch. Screw it out until the it makes contact with switch when the brake is fully released. Press and release the brake pedal a few times to check and make sure its working okay.

Olds Dad

Yes...stock set up - I did adjust it (Four turns beyond the point at which they just go 'off' according to the shop manual). I think the problem here is the pedal itself is returning at a very sluggish rate - I took some other advice from this thread and squirted some WD down the plunger rod - they seem to be better now - hopefully after a few long rides all will be well!...