Brake Lights Won't Go Out

[Buccaneer_9]

'97 Maxima GXE - I came out to start my car and my battery was dead. Replaced the battery and noticed that my brake lights won't turn off(both tail lights and the top light on the rear deck). I'm new to all of this electrical mumbo-jumbo...do I have a short? If so, how do I diagnose/fix the problem?

Thanks in advance for the help!

[loystock]

It's probably due to Stop Lamp switch at the base of the brake pedal. The same switch is used to disengage the Cruise Control (ASCD) when pedal is depressed. Is your cruise control working?.

The Stop Lamp switch may need adjustment (including brake pedal position) or the switch itself has failed.

[Buccaneer_9]

This just happened this morning and I haven't driven the car yet. If it isn't the brake light switch, is there any other issue that comes to mind?

Thanks for the info.

Edit: Got home, re-connected the battery and pulled the fuses for the tail-lights. The brake lights went out, but now they won't turn ON. I tried to squeeze my fat head under the dash to find the stop lamp switch, but I could not locate it. I did however hear a relay of some sort click each time i depressed the brake pedal. It sounds like it is somewhere near the center console.

Got discouraged, disconnected the battery and will try again in the morning.

[loystock]

Below is a link to 97 Maxima FSM. Go to page BR-6 (Brake System) for brake pedal switch location and adjustment. For wiring diagram and other lighting issues, refer to EL (Electrical System) chapter.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/1997/