I HATE asking shit like this

[Motu]

An import will most likely have cruise control - on some it is a dual brake switch,one part supplying a signal to the cruise control.

[Slyer]

Have you tried replacing the brake light fluid?

[idb]

Have you tried replacing the brake light fluid?

Come on, the guy's not an idiot!

That's so obvious that I never even bothered to suggest it!

[davereid]

Automatic Jap cars often have an interlock on the brake pedal, the brake has to be ON, before you can get the car out of park.

It may also power up a lamp to indicate brake fail - driven by a switch that detects a difference in pressure between brake hydralic circuits.

The brake light circuit is normally on all the time, regardless of key position, so it helps explain your problem.

In my experience, look at aftermarket stuff first. While I wouldn't expect the circuit to be live when the brake is not depressed, the guy who installed the Hi-Stop or Trailer lighting circuits could have wired something wrong. Also a car alarm wired to flash the brake lights could be at fault.

Good Luck !

[roadracingoldfart]

Check the brake light switch for a short

[peasea]

well i have been over and over it. the alternator doesn't appear to be the culprit - i ran the ammeter across the battery again and found that the current draw dropped from 0.3A to 0.01-0.00A when i took out the brake light 15A fuse - i must have missed it yesterday (it's in a line of 4 x 15A fuses). can't figure it out though - there's definately no lights on unless my foot is on the brake! i've disconnected the low brake fluid sensor, no difference. any clues?

if anyone has a 626/telstar like this one, http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-203279160.htm and could take a pic of the fuse box cover that is in english, it would be appreciated.

Take the brake pedal out.

[peasea]

Check the brake light switch for a short

Wouldn't the brake lights be on though? Dead give away.

[McDuck]

Altho in the short term just pull the fuse when you get out and remeber to replace it when you go for a drive...

[Max Preload]

Wouldn't the brake lights be on though? Dead give away.

Not if it's shorting to earth. Do the brake lights work?

[marty]

when the fuse is in, yes. found out today the horn uses the same fuse (hot battery) so will look there too.

[FROSTY:Me]

do you have a towbar?? if so check the plugblock . Its about the most exposed electrical part on ya car

[portokiwi]

on our VW if you leave the indercator on when you switch the car of the head light on that side comes on....Took me awhile to get use to that
That can drain the btty after awhile lol.
Mabe your car has something like that
Just a thought...