'69 wagoneer brake sensor question

[Slingshot formally slingluff]

Looks like I have a defective sensor but i want to run it by the group for a little advice.

Basically, i recently had my brakes inspected and adjusted. after the adjustment the brake pedal was a lot firmer as it should be (the auto adjust mechanism is always questionable).

I then noticed that i really had to stomp on the brake pedal to get the light to work even with the vehicle running (kinda scarry when you basically have to "lock 'em up" to tell the driver behind you that you are slowing down).

the oem brake pressure sensor is located in the mater cylander just between the front and rear circuit pistons. I shorted the electric leads to bypass the sensor: lights all work ok. I then tested the sensor by using a multimeter: i depress the pedal, and at a cirtain point the multi meter shows flow of current (sensor at least works).

Theory 1: is it feasible that the brake shoes were adjusted such that one brake circuit (lets say front)might have higer pressure when activated than the 2nd circuit, thereby "starving" the 2nd circuit of high enough pressure to activate the sensor? or is there a "pressure equalizing" port that allows the pressure to equalize between the 2 circuits?

Theory 2: Sensor has deteriorated over the years such that it still works, but requires higer pressure to activate (hard to believe, but feasable)?

I have the source for a replacement sensor from a previous thread. Just wanted to be sure before i changed out the sensor.

Thanks to all

[Kaiserjeeps]

Between my two rigs I have to replace one of the pressure switches about every two years. Kind of a high mortality part. Change it out and I bet the lights will come on with little effort.
I even keep a couple of them on the shelf.... Napa has them. I don't have a number cause I'm stuck here at work. Good luck....

[Tad]

Dave,
Going with theory 2 here, about a $6 part at Autozone or CSK. The one for these years fits a bunch of stuff, is was even the same as the one from my previous '51 Willys Truck.

[illegalFSJ]

I, too, would just change out the part. It's really cheap and really easy.

[Kenall]

i shorted the leeds on mine years ago and rigged up an elec switch on the steer column using a brake light switch i had in the drawer from an old mazda truck!

[dharmabum]

I agree that theory #2 is most likely right. The switches do wear out but are an easy 2 minute job to replace.

[Slingshot formally slingluff]

Sound like option 2 (sensor replacement) has the votes!!

Thank for the input, gang.

[Slingshot formally slingluff]

Update: went to Napa and picked up new sensor (part # SL139 stoplight switch) for $9. Pulled the bad one out (only a few drops of brake fluid lost), popped the new one in. Works like a charm.

Thanks for the good advice!

[kidatforty]

Word of warning: I had a brand new one not work. Took it back, exchange, all good again.