What is a brake light switch, symptoms and how to replace it?

Summary

The brake light switch is typically located just over the brake pedal. It has a one-way or two-way electric switch within. Brake lights that don’t turn on or that stay on all the time are the most typical signs of a broken brake light switch.

There are two main purposes for the brake light switch. When a driver depresses the brake pedal, it first activates the brake lights. Second, it informs the car’s computer that the brakes are being used. Driving a car with a broken brake light switch is VERY RISKY.

The most common SYMPTOMS OF A FAILING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH are difficulty in moving the gear selector, ABS light come on, brake light never go off, and the brake light will not come on. Learn about brake system warning light here!

https://studentlesson.com/what-does-brake-system-warning-light-mean-how-to-fix/

 

Now, let’s go deep to explain what a brake light switch is, the symptoms of failing ones, and how to replace it!

 

Contents

What is brake light switch?

A little device connected to the brake pedal mechanism is called a brake light switch. The brake light switch, despite its diminutive size, has a significant function in contemporary automobiles.

Above the brake pedal is a switch for the brake lights.If the brake light switch is malfunctioning, many car functions, such as Push-Button Start, Antilock Brakes, and car Stability Control, will not function.

The brake light switch activates the brake lights at the back of your car when you use the brakes. In essence, it signals to the driver in front of you that you’re going to slow down.

The gear selector and push-button start, as well as the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and the Vehicle Stability Control system, are all controlled by the brake lamp switch in current vehicles.

 

The followings are the symptoms of a failing brake light switch: 

ABS warning light turns on

When the ABS light on your dashboard turns on, your anti-lock brake system is malfunctioning. Your ABS warning light may come on as a result of low braking fluid, a damaged ABS control module, or a malfunctioning brake light switch.

Your car’s ABS module receives a signal from the brake light switch sensor when you apply the brakes telling it to turn on the ABS hydraulic pump. As a result, if your ABS warning light comes on, it’s conceivable that the problem is with your brake light switch.

Difficult to Move the Gear Selector

You must have your foot on the brake pedal in order to shift the gear selector out of Park. You might not be able to move the shifter into a different position if the system isn’t understanding your command. unfortunately this will leave you stuck in your current location. You can resume driving if you can change the switch at the current position.

Disabled Cruise Control

A broken or malfunctioning brake light switch may disable the cruise control in your car. What triggers this to occur? In many cars, the same switch is frequently used to operate the cruise control system and the rear brake lights.

Therefore, if the brake lamp switch malfunctions, your cruise control will undoubtedly as well. This is not to claim that the sole reason a brake light switch goes bad can cause the cruise control to stop working.

It may also occur if a fuse blows in the electronic control module or if the speed sensor malfunctions. Nevertheless, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Have a professional inspect your brake light switch as well if your cruise control stops functioning.

The brake lights never go off

There may be a fault in the electrical circuit inside the rear brake light switch if your brake lights remain on even when you are not pressing the brake pedal. Drivers behind you may become confused if your brake lights are constantly on because, even though you may be driving regularly, your taillight may give them the idea that you are about to slow down.

Additionally, if your rear brake light is left on all the time, it can quickly drain your car’s battery and harm the brake lamp or bulb.
It’s best to call a repair right away to replace the brake light switch if you have a problem with your brake lights so that no other electrical components are harmed.

Your brake lights would not illuminate

When you push the brake pedal, your brake lights should illuminate to alert the driver in front of you. The back brake lights won’t turn on if your brake switch isn’t working properly, which presents a serious safety risk because the vehicle behind you won’t be aware that you’re slowing down. Now, this can mean that a brake light bulb in the back has burned out or that your brake light switch is broken. Consider having your car inspected by a mechanic to swiftly identify the problem. Watch the video below to learn more on brake light switch:

 

How do you test a brake light switch?

Without taking it out of the car, a multimeter can be used to test the brake light switch. When the brake pedal is pressed and released in some vehicles, the voltage at the connector for the brake light switch is tested.

The service handbook for some vehicles advises pressing and releasing the pedal while testing the switch’s continuity. The fuse may have blown if there is no voltage at the brake switch.

 

How do you replace a brake light switch?

Follow the below steps to replace your brake light switch. But if you are technically fit, you should consider seeing your mechanic.

  • Stop your car on a level ground surface.
  • To apply the parking brake, pull the brake lever.
  • Your car battery’s wire should be disconnected.
  • The brake light switch should be found close to the pedal in the footwell.
  • To access the broken brake light switch, carefully remove the panel or cover.
  • The wire connector at the brake light switch should be disconnected and removed.
  • Install and align the replacement brake light switch with care.
  • The brake light switch should be secured.
  • Reattach the panel to hide the switch for your rear brake lights.
  • Reconnect the battery of the car.
  • Test and ensure that the cruise control, ABS, brake light switch, and rear brake lights all function as they should.

If money isn’t an issue, then it’s best to take your car to a mechanic to properly fix it

What is the best way to maintain a brake light switch?

  • You don’t need to transport your car to a repair shop because you can replace your brake light switch in your driveway.
  • Modern tools and high-quality replacement parts are used to complete all brake light switch repairs.
  • You may conveniently schedule your repairs online, and you’ll get straightforward, affordable pricing.
  • There is a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.

Learn more about how to reset check engine light here!

How to Reset Check Engine Light With and Without a Scanner

FAQs

What is the operation of brake light switch

The brake light switch that is located near to the brake pedal arm is the most typical mechanical type. The switch automatically closes to turn on the brake lights when the pedal is pressed. The pressure of fluid in the pipes when the brake is applied drives the other sort of switch, which operates hydraulically.

Can brake light switch cause car not to start?

Your car might not start if the brake light switch isn’t communicating with the computer to let it know the brakes are applied. If this occurs, get in touch with a mechanic or auto repair shop soon away to get your brake light switch replaced.

What problems can a brake light switch cause?

The back brake lights won’t turn on if your brake switch isn’t working properly, which presents a serious safety risk because the vehicle behind you won’t be aware that you’re slowing down. Now, this can mean that a brake light bulb in the back has burned out or that your brake light switch is broken.

Is there a fuse for brake light switch?

The power distribution center, which is either hidden behind the hood or under the dashboard, is where you’ll find the brake light system fuse, as well as all other fuses.

What causes brake light failure?

One of three things could be the case if one or more of your brake lights aren’t functioning properly: either the brake light system fuse has blown, the brake light bulbs have burned out, or the brake light wire switch has malfunctioned. These problems are all simple to fix.

Will brake lights drain battery?

Your battery may become discharged if your brake lights are left on while your automobile is stationary. To prevent your battery from being drained, it’s critical to quickly fix brake light problems.

Why is my brake light switch replaced but still not working?

You might have a blown fuse or a broken wire, based on the way things sound. If necessary, inspect and replace the fuses and relays. The brake switch and bulb sockets may require battery voltage testing with a digital volt/ohm meter; be careful to adhere to the electrical wiring diagram’s power source power flow chart when doing this.

What light will come on if your brake system is not working correctly?

Your ABS isn’t working properly. When the ABS engages to assist you in steering your car in slick circumstances, your anti-lock brake system dash signal can temporarily illuminate. However, if your ABS light illuminates continuously or starts flashing erratically, it’s trying to alert you to a problem with the system.

That is all for this article, where I explained what a brake light switch is, the symptoms of failing ones, and how to replace it. I hope it was helpful, if so, kindly share with others, thanks for reading, see you around!

 

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