Brake Lights on 71 stay on..

[Charger71]

I went to start my car this weekend and had a dead battery.   I jumped the car and started it. 

As I was walking around the car,  I noticed my brake lights were on/lit.  There was no one in the car.  I need the advice of you electrical gurus.

Is it a brake switch?, Bad fuse?, something needing adjustment? or Bad Ground?  I just cleaned the battery posts and cables, could that have done something to the relays or fuses?

As my car was running, I turned the headlights on. This killed the engine imediately.  Something is causing a draw on the electrical system.

As you can tell, I have no idea about electrical stuff....

Charger71

[Ghoste]

I'd start with the brake switch just because it's easiest and after 30 or 40 years it isn't uncommon at all for the brake pedal return to get a little tired.  If the switch is coming off, then you are going to have to start chasing down a short.

[41husk]

Thats what I had with my 68, it was an easy fix.

[Charger71]

I got under the dash last night and looked at the switch.   I had my son look at the lights as I lifted the brake pedal.
Sure enough, the lights went out. The switch appears messed up just as you all said.

I'll be looking for a brake switch now.

Thanks for the advice.

Charger71.

[John_Kunkel]

If lifting the pedal shut off the lights, the switch may just need adjusting.