The brake light switch is an often ignored part of a motor vehicle, as most last the lifetime of the car. However, if your brake lights no longer work when you press the pedal, you may have a faulty brake light switch that needs to be diagnosed and repaired. Your vehicle must illuminate the brake lights properly to communicate your intention to stop to drivers behind you on the road.
One of the most common problems with the brake light switch is actually not a problem with the switch at all, but with the fuse that supplies power to the switch. The fuse is intended to melt, if too much current flows through the system, to avoid starting a fire or potentially damaging the switch. If you suspect your brake light switch may be faulty, check the fuse to be sure there is power going to the switch before replacing the brake light switch.
Another common problem with the brake light switch is a sticky switch or one that does not release when the pedal is released. This can occur due to age or buildup of dirt and grime in and around the switch. You may notice the brake lights stay on after you have removed your foot from the pedal. They may even stay on after you have left the vehicle. If this is the case, you will want to have the brake light switch cleaned or replaced.
Brake light switch may be defective or faulty. The electrical contacts within the switch can burn or develop a coating of soot after years of making and breaking contact to turn the lights on and off. Additionally, if the new switch fails to work when it is installed, it may have been improperly installed. The brake light switch needs to be installed at a certain area, then adjusted for pedal travel, in order to properly activate the brake lights under all conditions stopping may occur.
