What Can A Bad Brake Light Switch Cause?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

A faulty brake light switch can cause many problems. If the switch is bad,

the brake lights won’t operate

and the transmission shifter will not come out of the “Park” position. In cars with a push-button start system, a faulty brake light switch can cause the vehicle not to start.

What does a brake light switch control?

The brake light switch on your vehicle serves an important safety function. When you press the brake pedal, it

supplies power to the signal lights at the back of your vehicle to warn other drivers you have slowed

.

What are the symptoms of a bad brake switch?

  • Your Brake Lights Don’t Light Up. Your brake lights are supposed to turn on when you push down on the brake pedal, giving a heads up to the driver behind you. …
  • Brake Lights Stay On Continuously.
  • Bad Cruise Control. …
  • Car Won’t Turn On.
  • ABS Warning Light Comes On.

How do you reset a brake light switch?

  1. Locate the brake light switch. You’ll find it under the dashboard, near the top of the brake pedal. …
  2. Push the button to adjust the on/off switch. Apply a good amount of pressure and the switch will either turn on or off.
  3. Determine if the button needs to be pushed in or out.

How does a brake light switch work?

The most common brake light switch is the simple mechanical type mounted close to the brake pedal arm. When the pedal is depressed,

the switch automatically closes to turn on the brake lights

. The other type of switch works hydraulically and is operated by the pressure of fluid in the pipes when the brake is applied.

How can you tell if a brake light switch is bad?


Place the sensor on just one of the two wires and hold the brake pedal down as you do

so. Then test the other wire. If power is connected and the switch is working properly, the test bulbs will illuminate. If it doesn’t light up, the brake light switch is faulty and will need to be replaced.

Can you fix a brake light switch?

Luckily, this is a very easy, stress free repair. The switch is located right near the tip of your right foot near the brake pedal, so it’s easy to access. The switch may actually snap into place without the use of any tools at all. $20



50 dollars should cover the labor costs on most cars.

Can both brake lights go out at the same time?

Bad Brake Light Switch

When the brake pedal gets pushed, a switch is triggered to send a signal to the lights out back that it’s time to turn on. … If all three brake lights are out at the same time, it’s

unlikely that

the trio of bulbs died simultaneously. In this case, it’s more likely a bad brake light switch.

What do you do when your brake lights don’t work while driving?

Answer: If the brake lights don’t work,

check the fuse for the circuit

; take a look a the brake light switch and, if necessary, the multifunction switch. You can test the brake light switch with a test light.

How long does a brake light switch last?

This switch is connected to the brake pedal on a car and turns the light on when the brake pedal is pushed down. The only time that this part is used is when the pedal engages it. For the most part, the brake light switch is

built to last just as long as the car does.

Why do I have tail lights but no brake lights?


The electrical ground

is one of the things you should also check if the taillights are working and brake lights are not. This could be the possible issue, especially when the brake light switch is functional. Check for bad electrical ground which may be a result of corroded or damaged wires.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.