My Brake lights wont turn off???

[54warrior]

I'll keep it short and sweet:

1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
Outside Air Temp: 25-30*F

Went to gym this morning for about 45 mins, getting ready to leave and a guy comes in and says that there's an Olds out in the lot with only the brake lights on. I said, oh, thats me.

I go out, and sure enough just the brake lights were on. Not the Parking Lights and not the Headlights...ONLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS.

Since I was aware of the issue before I got in the car, I verified that yes, all switches for headlights/parking lights were OFF. Double checked, Brake Lights still on.

Car won't start.

I was fortunate that a guy just pulled in and he jump started it for me. I figure I need to let it run for awhile, so I go and get gas, w/o shutting it off. Turn all lights off, and the brake lights are now off. I make it home and it's sitting out there running right now to charge the battery back up All the lights are currently off.


Now, my question is, what made the brake lights stay on like that??? Is there a switch or relay of some sort that's malfunctioning???

THanks for the help!

[TitanBlue]

Usually there is a switch behind the brake pedal. Between the arm and the firewall. As you push the pedal forward, the switch activates brake lights, not brakes. Some brake trailer controllers tie into it to activate trailer brakes. Your switch shouldn't be too hard to find, but you'll need a flashlight for sure.

[titanss]

The brake light switch under the brake pedal may need adjusting, next time they stay on pull the pedal up to see if they go off, if they do adjust the switch away from the pedal. The switch may be sticking, push it in with your finger and see if it the button extends fully if it does not clean it with some electrical contact cleaner, if this does not work it may need to be replaced the spring may be worn out. If all of that does not work the grounds in the rear of the car may be corroded, broken, or loose, check them clean and repair/replace the ground connectors.