How to Fix a Stuck Brake Light

Your brake lights are an essential part of your braking system and your warning system. When your brake lights stay on, other drivers cannot tell when you are actually stopping. This can lead to an accident. The lights being stuck on can also lead to drained batteries and bulbs. This article will tell you how to fix a stuck brake light.

Steps

1. 1
   Look at your brake pedal with a flashlight and find the brake pedal switch, which engages the lights. Most cars have this switch built into the pedal.

   
   

   • Problems with this switch are the most common reasons for brake lights to be stuck on.
2. 2
   Press on the switch and attempt to move it from side to side with your finger. Your switch should pop up and move slightly.
   • Your switch needs to be replaced if it does not move. The steps to replace this switch are given below.
3. 3
   Disconnect the negative cable from your battery.
4. 4
   Press the tabs of the wiring harness to disconnect it from the switch you are replacing. Remove a retaining clip and washer with a pair of pliers if your vehicle was built before 1990.
5. 5
   Rotate the brake switch counter clockwise and pull it out of the mounting bracket for newer vehicles.
   • Slide the switch toward you until it comes free of the bracket. There is no rotating needed for older cars.
6. 6
   Push the brake pedal down with one hand while inserting the new switch into the mounting bracket with the other hand. Let the pedal come back up to its normal position.
   • Place the new switch over the mounting stud in older vehicles so the "U" shape is near the pedal. Slide the switch up and down to trap the pushrod and move it toward the pedal arm.
7. 7
   Rotate your switch clockwise until it locks into place. Plug the wiring harness back into the switch.
   • Reinstall the washer and retaining clip for older cars. Reattach the wiring harness to the plug.
8. 8
   Check your work by applying the brakes several times.

   
   

Tips

• Stuck brake lights can occasionally be caused by an intermittent electrical problem. If your switch is not the culprit, try removing both cables from the battery for several minutes to reset the car's system. Reconnect your battery and see if the problem reoccurs.

Warnings

• Take your car to a qualified mechanic if the switch is working properly and 2 attempts at resetting the electrical system do not work. This could indicate an electrical problem that must be serviced by a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Flashlight
• New brake switch
• Pliers