63 Emergency Brake Warning Light

[Thomas S.]

Re: 63 Emergency Brake Warning Light

Finally received the new cluster and had time to track down the problem with the emergency brake warning light. It turned out to be the lamp socket itself. It worked fine when it was in the socket and out of the cluster. All of the other sockets seated into the back of the cluster relatively easy except for this which had to be force into place. After doing that and removing it (to make sure the bulb didn't crack) I noticed that the bulb was not seated correctly. After trying to bend the metal retaining tabs on the original metal socket I gave up and simply replaced the socket with a plastic one.

I've learned a few things from this experience. Removing the cluster and steering column is relatively easy after doing it 3 times. It makes sense to extend all of the wires for the lamps because putting things back together is a lot easier when that's done. Not sure if a purest would agree but that effort is mostly hidden and if done properly (soldered, shrink tubing, etc.) reliability is not an issue. Finally if there is any other item that you may be even remotely thinking about replacing and it's behind the cluster, do it at that time.

[Chester C.]

Re: 63 Emergency Brake Warning Light

Learn something. All this time I have wonder what made that little light blink. Did not know you could get a special blinking bulb for it.

[Thomas S.]

Re: 63 Emergency Brake Warning Light

There is a bi-metal strip in the bulb. The filiment comes on, heats up the bi-metal strip, which bends due to the heat, and that breaks the circuit. When it cools down the cycle starts again. Simple but not very long lasting. It would probably burn out if left on for a few hours continuously.

[John D.]

Re: 63 Emergency Brake Warning Light

Didn't read all the posts as should be working. My 63 barely made it thru ops last time as the Foreign made 257 was taking a fit. Right after ops was done I was sitting in the car when all at once the crappy buly was flashing 100 mph. Now I have GE 257's to install.John

[Frank D.]

Re: 63 Emergency Brake Warning Light

Didn't read all the posts as should be working. My 63 barely made it thru ops last time as the Foreign made 257 was taking a fit. Right after ops was done I was sitting in the car when all at once the crappy buly was flashing 100 mph. Now I have GE 257's to install.John

Yup! Makes a difference my '63 flashing bulb made it through ops check just fine - its an original...