How to Adjust a Brake Switch

The most common use for a brake switch is the activation of the the brake lights when you depress the brake pedal. Other typical uses include the activation and deactivation of systems such as cruise control, antilock brakes and traction control. Many brake switches are adjustable to allow compensation for wear of components such as the pedal pivot pins and rubber cushions on the pedal assembly. Properly installing a new switch on these systems will allow the brake lights to come on under light brake pedal pressure without allowing the lights to stay on when you release the pedal.

Instructions

1

Locate the brake switch on the upper portion of the brake pedal under the driver side of the dash. Loosen the jamb nuts on the switch---typically, using a 13-mm wrench.

2

Unplug the electrical connector on the back of the switch to avoid twisting the wiring when making the adjustment. Screw the switch into the mounting bracket to delay activation and prevent sticking lights; unscrew it from the mounting bracket to activate the lights sooner. The threads on the switch are fairly fine, and the switch is extremely sensitive; you can usually make the adjustment with one or two turns of the switch.

3

Plug the electrical connector back into the switch, and tighten the jamb nuts. Test the brake light activation several times to verify the switch works properly. The lights should come on when you push the pedal down about an inch and go off when you fully release the pedal.