Tail Lights Always On.

[last son kal-el]

Hello, I'm new to these boards, but not so new to 280z's. I currently own a 1978 280z that the tail lights all of a sudden will not turn off. This problem just arose. I drive the car maybe once a week. I had to disconnect the battery terminal to disable power. Probably could have just removed a fuse but oh well. Any pointers, any ideas where I should start first. All other lights work fine.

[Virto]

Just the brake lights or the brake lights, running lights and turn signals?

Does it effect the back up lights?

If it's just the brake lights, you might have a problem with the switch that contacts the brake lever under the dash. You might want to clarify for the more experienced members and check that switch while you're at it.

[MikeW]

Welcome to the club.

Just the tail lights stay on? Not all of the parking lights? They are all fed by the same switch so that seems strange. It seems more likely that the brake lights would stay on.

[zpizzaman20]

There is a little plastic piece in the pedal that the brake swith hits to shut it off. If that breaks or falls out the brake lights will stay on.

Did you see a bunch of little pieces of plastic on the carpet?

[last son kal-el]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I'll check them out when I get home today. Yes only the tail lights/brakelights are on. All other lights are off. If I did not mention it, this is with the car not running and key out of ignition.

[sblake01]

Sounds to me like it's not tail lights/brakelights, as you say, but simply brakelights. In that case, Virto and zpizzaman20 have pointed you down the right path.

[last son kal-el]

zpizzaman20 was spot on. When I looked in the car a few minutes ago there was a yellow plastic piece on the floor mat. I reinserted it and all is well again.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

[1972zed]

This too happened to me with my 1972 ford cortina back in highschool. The plastic break light swith was crushed and needed replacing. Once replaced it was fine. way to call it zipperman

[Jeff G 78]

Chances are good that it will fall apart again. You can use a small bolt and nut inserted through the hole until you find the correct replacement plastic plug.