Brake Light Switch: Service and Repair

WARNING: TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH, ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, AIRBAG, OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, SEAT BELT TENSIONER, IMPACT SENSOR, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

CAUTION: The brake lamp switch self-adjusting switch plunger is a one time only feature. If the switch is removed from the mounting bracket, it MUST be replaced with a new switch.

REMOVAL




1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Locate the brake lamp switch (1) near the support bracket on the lower steering column (3).
3. Disconnect the wire harness connector (5) from the brake lamp switch.
4. Rotate the brake lamp switch housing clockwise about 30 degrees to align the tabs on the switch locking collar with the keyed hole in the switch mounting bracket (4).
5. Pull the switch straight back from the keyed hole to remove it from the bracket.

6. Discard the removed brake lamp switch.

INSTALLATION




1. Depress and hold the brake pedal in the depressed position.
2. Align the tabs on the brake lamp switch locking collar with the keyed hole in the switch mounting bracket (4) on the lower steering column (3).
3. Insert the tabs on the brake lamp switch locking collar through the keyed hole in the switch mounting bracket until the switch housing (1) is firmly seated against the bracket.
4. Rotate the switch housing counterclockwise about 30 degrees to engage the tabs on the locking collar with the switch mounting bracket.

CAUTION: Do not release or pull up on the brake pedal before the switch plunger adjustment has been completed.

5. Release the brake pedal, but do not pull it upward.
6. Rotate the plunger adjustment release lever (2) clockwise until it locks into place. The lever should be parallel to the brake lamp switch connector receptacle. This action will set the switch plunger length to a final adjustment position and cannot be undone. If not performed properly the first time, a new brake lamp switch must be installed.
7. Reconnect the wire harness connector (5) to the brake lamp switch.
8. Reconnect the battery negative cable.