Brake Light Switch: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

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

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
2. Remove the knee blocker from the instrument panel.
3. Depress the brake pedal downward to the fully applied position.
4. Rotate the brake lamp switch approximately 30 ° in the counterclockwise direction to unlock the switch retainer. Then pull the switch rearward and out of the mounting bracket.

Fig.2 Brake Lamp Switch:

5. Disconnect the instrument panel wire harness for the brake lamp switch from the switch connector receptacle and remove the switch from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION
1. Pull the plunger all the way out of the brake lamp switch body to its fully extended position.
2. Reconnect the instrument panel wire harness connector for the brake lamp switch to the switch connector receptacle.
3. Depress and hold the brake pedal in its fully applied position.
4. Align the locating tab on the switch with the notch in the switch bracket.
5. Insert the switch into the bracket and turn it clockwise about 300 to lock it into place.
6. Release the brake pedal.

CAUTION: Power brake booster damage may occur if the brake pedal is pulled upwards at a force that exceeds about twenty pounds.

7. Pull the brake pedal lightly upward. The brake pedal arm will set the brake lamp switch plunger to the correct position as it pushes the plunger into the switch body. The switch will make a light ratcheting sound as it self-adjusts.
8. Reinstall the knee blocker onto the instrument panel.
9. Reconnect the battery negative cable.