1998 12 valve my tailights are stuck on even when truck is turned off and I have pulled the fuse they are still on even without the fuse.

 

couple of thoughts...

the brake lights may be fused on a different circuit than the running taillights.

I'm not sure on these newer trucks, but on older vehicles i've owned in the past, there is a brakelight switch located above the brake pedal (under the dash) which may have an adjustable mount where it can be loosened and adjusted to turn the brake lights on only when the pedal is depressed.

the brake pedal may have "sagged" because of some issue in the braking system (master cylinder, stuck brake cylinder or caliper, etc.)

The extreme cold (if you're in it) may impact the pedal return, especially if the brake fluid is contaminated with moisture.

Good luck!

 

Replaced many a switch on those trucks! I would guess it is just a switch. The fuse is in the side of the dash on that one I believe.

Andy

 

98 24 valve brake fuse is under the hood dont know if the 12 and 24 have the same fuse box or not however

 

You can often pull the pintle out on the brake lamp switch and "reset" it to it's proper length. This will often last a little while. Good news is that brake lamp switches are CHEAP!

 

I think on your '98 you can get the stop light switch at an auto parts store. Seems like the price was like $14.

For my '01 it's a dealer item and cost $26. I'm going to break open the bad switch to see why it's stamped on the plastic molding,"Do Not Reinstall". There has to be an "something" in there that causes the stem to not return to full extension once it's set.

I'm not sure which year the switches changed, but they both have a 6 wire connector with the same colored wires. It's just the mount that is different.

If the switch is out of adjustment the lights will be on with the key removed, and you out of the vehicle.

 

New brake light switch is about $10 at Napa

 

I am thinking it is that way so that you pay another 200% of the price to the friendly parts department... I have re-used many a part that said "do not reinstall", which was caused mainly by my extremely low income at the time.
-P

 

before u replace anything, try adjusting the brake light switch under ur right foot...crawl under there..ur brake pedal lever contacts this lil **** during the rest position nd when it looses contact the ligth turn on...in urs ur porbbaly not making contact...u must have been pulling up on the brake pedal lately or something...so push the pedal down...pull out the ****...and release the pedal...thats it...adjusted!...