ARGH!!! Its times like this I hate my Leganza!!

[TheGreatAndPowerfulOz]

Last year I posted a problem about an electrical problem in my Leganza.
I took the car to the dealership and they gave me a list of various problems from brakes to timing & tuneup to electrical and suspension that ended up costing more almost $4300US.
I had the money and was happy the car drove like new again.
The mechanic told me that the brake lights and cruise control not working were caused by the brake light switch that is down in the pedal cluster.


The problem is intermittent, then gets more frequent until it stops working completely.
I first notice that my cruise control stops working and the cruise light on the dash does not light up.
When the cruise control does not work, the brake lights also do not work when I step on the brake pedal.
This usually happens about 30 minutes of driving.
When the cruise control work again, the brake lights work as they are supposed to.
Now, once again, the brake lights and the cruise control have stopped working all together.


I took the brake light switch out, disassembled it, cleaned the contacts inside and reassembled it.
According to the digital meter, the switch is working, but when I put it back in the car, the brake lights and cruise still do not work.
Every fuse has been checked and all are good.

I can get a new brake light switch from a local car parts store for $12.98 and wait three days for it to arrive, so I will order it today and see if for some reason that fixes it.

If that is not the problem ... does anyone have ANY ideas what could be electrically common between the cruise control and the brake lights?

[daewoomofo]

my guess is that there is a break in the wire that comes out of the brake light switch, i say trace where the wire leads to and try replacing it, other than that i wouldnt have a clue

[JohnnyC]

Definitely trace your wires and check them for any breaks. I had a problem with my turn signal lights that was a short behind the front right turn signal wire had worn through and was shorting out. Fixed the problems I had with turn signals.

You could give that a try.

[TheGreatAndPowerfulOz]

I will have time to trace things on Tue or Wed this week when I don't have anything planned for the day.

The new brake light switch was ordered today and they said because it was a special order item, it will take 3-5 business days to arrive.

Even it its not the switch, its only $12 and I will have a spare just in case I do need it.

[TheGreatAndPowerfulOz]

Replacing the switch did not work, so now I have two good switches and I could not trace out any problem.

Temporarily, I ran a new power wire to the brake lights and added an extra relay next to the brake light switch.
The brake lights work for now so the car will now pass the state inspection.

This weekend my friend and I are pulling everything apart to follow the wiring until we find the problem.

[hottattedone]

I had to buy a switch from Oreillys' Auto Parts and it only cost me $5.00 - anyways i replaced the switch thinking that it would be a pop it in and it works kinda of thing - seems that it needs to be adjusted - I put it in and the lights still didtn work. I tookt he switch out and pulled the actuator out a litte bit then replaced it and once you press the brake pedal it sets it for you. Kinda weird but it works now. Try it out and see if this helps.