Weird brake problem

[350TPI]

I just started noticing this after i fixed my rear neon.My car is a 98 and i noticed that when i hit my brakes the brake lights will not light up with light brake pedal pressure.I can be stopped at a light with the minimum brake pedal pressure to keep the car stopped and the brake lights wont be on!(i hope that made sense).I have done a search for the brake switch but i didnt find any post similiar to mine.Seems like most have a problem getting their cars out of park.I dont have that problem.Also,i have noticed there is always a little bit of brake fluid that is on top of the brake fliud reservoir.I have tried to put the cap on tighter but it hasnt made any difference.Do i need a new cap or is it something else.Thanks for any help.

 

[NateRW21]

typically your problem is related to the brake light switch being out of adjustment. The way most switches work is in an interrupt system. Most switches complete and electrical circuit when engaged; vast majority of brake light switches break a circuit when engaged. What this means is, with the pedal in the resting position, there will be a switch that has pressure on it (look along from the pedal up the arm until you find a switch). When you press on the pedal, pressure goes off of the switch, which then completes the circuit and turns on your brake lights. All that needs to happen for you is the switch needs to be backed out a bit so less pedal travel is required to turn it on. It will take a little bit of trial and error to get it set-up right; just keep rechecking that they are off when the pedal is at rest and on when the brakes grab.