On the wifes 97, her brake light is staying on. I checked the switch on the front brake lever and it looks and moves good. It has an 1156 bulb in it now. I thought it took a two filiment bulb (like an 1157) but I could be wrong.

Anyone know what else to check? I'm still learning this thing.

 

If it is a original light on the back fender it does take a 2 filament bulb. Running light and brake light. Lift up on the rear brake pedal and push forward on the front brake handle and see if it goes out. or it could be a bad sending unit on the front or rear. But untill you get the right bulb in the rear all bets are off.

 

yep
Kroozeabout.

 

Most likely a bad pressure switch on the rear brake line. When these take a **** the brake light will stay on.

 

With the 1156 being spirial wound, I wonder if it acts like a two filiment w/ the inner being the running and the outter spirial acting as the brake.

Rear brake pressure switch......I did not know about that. I'll look for it.

 

Replace the bulb with an 1157 dual filament bulb.

 

1157 is in and it works as long as I jiggle the front lever. The lever doesn't seem to extend all the way out push the plunger all the way in. At least I know it's in the lever/switch connection.

 

You said the front brake light button seemed to work ok so you evidently have had the clamp apart. It's very easy (and common) to re-assemble the clamps and not get the switch under the lever properly.

The front brake light switch acts like the light switch on your refrigerator or car door. When in it's normal position, the lever holds the switch in and keeps the light off. Squeezing the lever allows the button to pop out and the brake light comes on. Take a close look where your lever contacts the clamps and I'll bet you find your problem.

 

That switch is easily damaged if you take it apart and don't use the proper procedure to reassemble it. Make sure that it isn't broken off, you probably need to replace the switch.

 

At least you got it narrowed down.