No brake lights, connector to the pressure sensor is broken

When working on the underside of my jeep I bumped the wire that ran to the pressure switch to turn on my brake lights. The wire was so weak it snapped off up inside the connector. The wire broke up high enough I can't get at it inside the connector. Any idea on how to fix this thing? I need to get the brake lights working this weekend so I can get the the vehicle inspected.

 

Hmmm... Ok, that sounds fairly easy, I have the spade type I think. Unfortunately that pressure sensor is on the top of the unit and isn't the most accessible thing in the world.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't stock. The PO added power steering, relocated the gas tank, put in a locker, through the fender headers and a bunch of other things. In general, everything he did was for the better. I'll take pictures of it when I start working on it tomorrow morning. I'm currently waiting for the windshield guy to come and fix my windshield.

 

Ok, when you said cut into the connector what should I cut it with? Should I just slice at it with a razor blade? I don't have a rotary tool, which would probably be the tool for the job. I don't just want to hack at it.

 

I think w3srl was saying to cut the wire not the plastic part housing the connector. But you mentioned earlier that at least one wire already came loose. Just remove the connector with housing by sliding it out toward the wire end. After that you can attach new push-on connectors using your existing wiring. You may also be able to use the old housing if the appropriate connectors are used.

 

Sparky - Sorry for tramping on your reply. Mine was apparently being typed the same time as yours.

 

Sparky was right the 71 model should have 2 brake sensors. I removed one of mine when I put in the dana 30, one was broke and the local store didn't have them in stock. I just haven't put it back in yet.

StraitToplaid you mentioned the prevoius owner relocated the fuel tank, where did he relocate it to, under the seat, the factory tank on a 71 is in the rear.

 

The tank is under the rear end of the jeep, between the rails. It used to have the tank under the seat because you can see somebody bondoed up the filler hole. Maybe it's not really a 71 then?

I've tried to remove the connector, one side (where the wire is broken) feels like it's not connected, it almost spins. The other side isn't budging. There are two wires connected and I found out the hard way those wires are live. 12v can spit some good sparks. Anyways, do both those wires connect in the same way? If they do, can I just splice into the other wire?

 

Ok, here's some pictures of it, you can see the side where the wire is broken and you can see the good side. Is this a stock setup or is this something the PO did?

 

Do you mean one sensor with two wires coming out or two sensors themselves?

 

Ok, I dug around and found the second switch. There's no connector on this one. If I cut off the other wire and extend them up to the front one I could hook them up to the bare posts there. Would I have any issues if I tried that?

 

slide off the connector where it's at, cut the connector off the wires, crimp spades to the wires, and re-attach.

 

This thing REALLY doesn't want to slide off, one side slides and the other is quite stuck. I don't want to yank too much on this thing, is there anything I need to do to get it to come off?

 

:iagree: might get a new switch while you are at it that one looks rusty,and the have been known to blow the plastic out when they get old,thus loosing brake fluid and brakes if it not a double reservoir,and lose half the brakes if it is a double