Faulty brake lights

[sparklehorse]

I was pulled over last night and informed that my brake lights were on all the time. I'm sure (or at least hoping) it may be a simple wiring fault and something I could sort out myself. They come on as soon as the engine starts and stay on. Any ideas?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

check all the bulbs and holders,sometimes they get a bit rusty and contact is bad,give them all a rub down with some sand paper.

[gsr600]

you could also check the brake light switch!
usually by the brake pedal,
you don't say what car you have, so i'm guessing!
& are you sure they don't come on when the ignition is on only ( without engine running)
gsr600

[himupnorth]

had this on an old Ford some time ago. It was the switch, it is a switch that the pedal keeps open when not being used but if you press the pedal it allows the switch to close. It was a relatively east job to re-adjust the switch which was just in a plastic thread. A bit awkward to get to but not a difficult job.
If you haven't got a manual most libraries stock hayned or somesuch. I imagine all Fords are pretty much alike and it's probably the same for Vauxhalls and others too.

[himupnorth]

That would be Haynes!

[slave-plater]

PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS/............sometimes on rear lights where they are faulty, its the PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD ATTACHED TO THE LAMP UNIT, that has been a cause of thr problem........ this is just an opinion, ESCORT models from 1980-1991, used to suffer from this...for example , even dampness can make the "PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD NEED REPLACING" , get an opinion from some one in the know ......

[woodchopper]

Most likely to be the brake light switch is usually located at the top of the brake pedal - Fords and Peugots hare notorious for the problem.

[derekpara]

Almost certainly the brake light switch, especially if it's a VW.

Try lifting the pedal with your hand or foot. That may do the trick, but I think you will need a new switch.

[david1702198]

peugeot 206 are bad for the switch actually coming adrift from the pedal mechanism under the glovebox.

[sparklehorse]

Incidentally it's a Ford Fiesta.
I had a look at the wire connected to the top of the brake pedal, which was not plugged in properly.
Glad it was something simple, infact I feel quite foolish now.
Thanks for your help everyone