How to: Brake Stop Switches

The brake stop switch in your vehicle provides an easy and convenient way to alert other drivers on the road that you are slowing or stopping. A spring inside the switch, sitting on the arm of the brake pedal, normally keeps the electrical contacts open. After miles of use, however, the spring may wear out or the mechanism could break, keeping the speed control and/or the brake lights from working. Prevent a serious road accident by replacing the failed brake switch in your own driveway. It only takes a few minutes and a few common tools.

Instructions

Removing the Brake Stop Switch

1

Detach the knee bolster from under the instrument panel and steering column to gain better access to the brake light switch. Use a ratchet, small ratchet extension and socket.

2

Position yourself between the front seat and the brake pedal and locate the brake light switch near the top of the brake pedal. You will see a small black box with an electrical connector leading to it.

3

Unplug carefully the brake switch electrical connector to prevent breaking the locking tab on the connector.

4

Remove the large retaining clip located on one side of the mounting pin that holds the switch and the pushrod pin in place. The pushrod pin connects to the brake booster, a drum-like component inside the engine compartment, through the firewall. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers.

5

Remove the washer that seats next to the retaining clip by hand.

6

Slide the pushrod pin to one side and away from the brake pedal to allow the outer side of the switch bracket to clear the mounting pin on the brake pedal. The other side of the switch bracket has a U-shape configuration.

7

Remove the brake switch from the brake pedal mounting pin by hand.

Installing the Brake Stop Switch

8

Position the new brake light switch on the pedal mounting pin.

9

Slide the pushrod pin toward the brake pedal so the outer side of the new switch bracket goes over the mounting pin on the brake pedal.

10

Replace the washer next to the switch bracket.

11

Install the large retaining clip by hand.

12

Plug in the brake switch electrical connector and make sure the locking tab snaps into place.

13

Replace the knee bolster under the instrument panel using the ratchet, small ratchet extension and socket.