Archived 2006 Brake Lights staying on

[bigceltic]

Out camping, and on the way here, I noticed ny P3 brake control was giving slight brakibg to the trailer (like 0.5-0.8) I could feel the pull from the trailer, so I stopped and noticed my brake light were staying on. I disconnected the controller and they stayed on. Turned truck off and on and pumped brakes, got light to go out. Rehooked up the controller and had no issue for the rest of trip until the campsite and lights stayed on again, sending power to the trailer brakes. Any ideas as to what is happening? How do I fix this?

Thanks,
George

 

[Hoefler]

Brake light switch. Pull up on the brake pedal, if they go out, the switch needs to be adjusted or replaced.

 

[jhenderson]

The power steering pump also provides the pressure for the hydro boost unit. The cap doesn't vent properly and builds pressure in the reservoir. Next time this happens remove the cap. You'll probably feel or hear the pressure release. Go look at the brake lights. If they're out you found the problem. Years ago I wrote a post on modifying the cap but now you can purchase an updated part from your dealer.

 

[bigceltic]

The power steering pump also provides the pressure for the hydro boost unit. The cap doesn't vent properly and builds pressure in the reservoir. Next time this happens remove the cap. You'll probably feel or hear the pressure release. Go look at the brake lights. If they're out you found the problem. Years ago I wrote a post on modifying the cap but now you can purchase an updated part from your dealer.

I think you nailed it. Got home last night and the lights stayed on again. I had my wife go to the back of the truck as I removed the power steering cap - it "popped" with pressure and the lights went out immediately. I will get the updated cap. Thanks!

George

 

[Boehler]

What is the part number for the upgraded cap?

 

[bigceltic]

What is the part number for the upgraded cap?

The part num I found is 52106856AC. Found on Amazon for $16.91 delivered.

 

[crabman]

You can also drill a very small hole in the cap which would relieve the pressure. Just drill it over the area that the gasket covers but do not puncture the gasket.

 

[Boehler]

Thanks much!

 

[bigceltic]

Well the new cap does not do any better than the old cap. I modified the old cap and will try that out.

 

[B.G. Smith]

FWI Mine was doing the same thing, I got up under the steering column area and sprayed the shaft that the brake pedal is mounted on with some lubricant. Been a few years and it hasn't done it again. bg

 

[jhenderson]

Did the cap look the same as your old one? Is it possible you got old stock rather than the up dated part?

 

[bigceltic]

That is possible - the new cap looked identical to the old one. Am taking the trailer out this weekend so I will see if the dremel-modded cap works.

 

[bigceltic]

Got back from a camping trip towing the Laredo, and I have to tell you, the cap modification (the dremel mod) worked WONDERS. Wow. I told my wife that it felt totally different towing - I must have had the brakes dragging for a long time without knowing it. I really noticed it when towing up an incline near my home where I always had to downshift... not this time. It is really easy to pry off the light grey dipstick if you pry at the tabs (where the black "outer" cap has square area and the light grey inner - and dipstick - has square cut outs. I did not have a dremel tool so I used a big drill bit. Works like a charm. No leaks, not "pops" when I remove the cap, no brake lights staying on, no dragging!