How to Disable a Stop Lamp Switch

A stop lamp switch (also known as a brake light switch) is located underneath the brake pedal on a car or truck. When the pedal is pressed, the switch activates and turns on the brake lights. You might want to disable the lamp switch if there is ever an electrical problem with the lights on your car, so you can take it to a repair shop or attempt to fix the wiring problem yourself.

Instructions

1

Lay on your back on the floorboard on the driver's side and look under the brake pedal.

2

Follow the brake pedal with your hand up and under the dashboard, using the flashlight to guide you.

3

Locate the stop lamp switch at the end of the brake pedal where it connects under the dashboard.

4

Turn the locknut on the switch counter-clockwise to loosen. On some vehicles, you may be able to pull the switch plug out of a socket.

5

Disconnect one of the two wires from the terminals on the switch either by pulling the connector pin off the terminal or, if absolutely necessary, clipping the wire close to the switch with your wire cutters. You can always reattach a wire connector for the switch after solving your larger wiring problem.

6

Place a piece of electrical tape over the end of the wire to prevent it from coming into contact with any metal surface and possibly causing a short.