Brake Light won't go OFF!

[rhochisociety]

I have a 1977 280Z, and it (or I rather) have an unusual problem. The red brake light indicator will not go off. But here is the kicker. When the parking brake is fully engaged the light is very red, release the parking brake and the brightness diminishes quite a bit (but it is still on). Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

[Nissanman]

Low fluid level in the brake Master Cylinder perhaps?

[geezer]

Low fluid sounds right. Possibly, when you apply the parking brake you are augmenting the ground signal that the light is getting making it brighter. Is the same light used for a low fluid warning and a parking brake "on" indicator when the key is in the on position?

[TXZ1956]

I believe there is a relay under the passenger seat that causes this problem.

[billyjarrell]

txz1956 is right, I had the same problem with my 77. I disconnected the relay under the seat and the light went out, but now of course it doesn't come on at all. But It'll do until I can replace it.

[rhochisociety]

Where could I get a relay,are they still available?

Thanks,

Jim

[rhochisociety]

Geezer:

Yes, it is the same red light, you mentioned.

Thanks,

Jim

[glassman]

I had the same problem and it turned out to be the physical contact surface at the brake pedal switch . I just put a rubber cap on the pedal side.Maybe mine was to simple.

[sblake01]

I had the same problem and it turned out to be the physical contact surface at the brake pedal switch . I just put a rubber cap on the pedal side.Maybe mine was to simple.

That's a different problem. They're talking about the brake warning light on the dash.

[sblake01]

txz1956 is right, I had the same problem with my 77. I disconnected the relay under the seat and the light went out, but now of course it doesn't come on at all. But It'll do until I can replace it.

Where could I get a relay,are they still available?

Thanks,

Jim

Disconnecting the relay will make the light go out because the circuit is then open. That doesn't mean the relay is bad. Check the caps on the master cylinder that monitor the fluid level. They can also go bad.

[rhochisociety]

More info, if I disconnect the relay under the passenger seat the light stays on, and there is wires on the master cylinder, but they are not connected to

anything, my mechanic could find nothing that they could connect to, maybe

this is the issue? If the wires were connected then that would solve the problem? Does anyone know where they go?

Thanks,

Jim

[mazvino]

Try adjusting the switch under the E brake handle, it may not be engaging.

Rob