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Topic: Sticky Brake Light Switch (Read 827 times) previous topic - next topic

Sticky Brake Light Switch

On our 1997 U295, the brake light switch has gotten sticky. I have seen the brake lights illuminated after I park and exit the coach. A tap of the service brake pedal will allow the lights to extinguish. We notice the sticky lights sometimes when we try to resume cruise control. A tap or two on the service pedal allows the cruise control to resume properly. The problem is intermittent. I am assuming the cruise control releases when the power is supplied to the brake lights. By the way, such a problem might be a cause of flaky cruise control response for some other folk.

Is there something I can lubricate, or is there an part that is easy to replace?
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Sticky Brake Light Switch

Reply #1 –
I haven't looked on the Unicoach, but on my Unihome the switches were under the coach and easy to access. I had to tap into the circuit to wire my exh brake on the 280.
 
Quote
On 9/18/2010 9:45 PM, J. D. Stevens wrote: 
On our 1997 U295, the brake light switch has gotten sticky. I have seen the brake lights illuminated after I park and exit the coach. A tap of the service brake pedal will allow the lights to extinguish. We notice the sticky lights sometimes when we try to resume cruise control. A tap or two on the service pedal allows the cruise control to resume properly. The problem is intermittent. I am assuming the cruise control releases when the power is supplied to the brake lights. By the way, such a problem might be a cause of flaky cruise control response for some other folk.
 
Is there something I can lubricate, or is there an part that is easy to replace?
 
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Sticky Brake Light Switch

Reply #2 –
JD,
Can you check your schematics?
On mine there are two air actuated switches, mounted high in the streetside forward-most compartment, on the forward sheetmetal (just forward of the Gen Set Door release handle).
As far as I know, they can't be disassembled or rebuilt.
They seem to not be hermetically sealed and can therefore corrode internally.
I don't have a part number but I'd tap one or both the next time you experience the "hung-up" function.  If that seems to be the root cause, remove one and look for any ID markings on the switch.
Let us know.
Neal
The selected media item is not currently available.
Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

Re: Sticky Brake Light Switch

Reply #3 –
Two air pressure switches are mounted near top of front metal panel in the forward street side compartment.  One pressure sw for front  and other for rear and both are wired together to turn on brake lights. You could disconnect electric wires from one to determine if lights stay on or go out.  You can temporarily run with just one switch as both front & rear air brakes work together.
 
Yes the turning on of brake lights kicks off cruise control and if they don't  work, you could be in a dangerous situation with engine throttle staying on during an emergency brake stop.
 
Retard also closes a relay that also turns brake lights on and a sticky relay, whatever that is, could also keep lights on.  Relay is located next to the two brake pressure switches.