Brake lights stay on? How to fix it yourself!

If your brake lights won't turn off, here's a quick fix for your problem. Brake light sensors are an inexpensive part that may need adjusted, as you may find out when your lights won't turn off.

[@jacktownston839]

6 years later and your vid is still helping people -- you just saved me many hours (and spared me from probably being totally overcharged to simply change out the piece, which I learned is called a "break light switch stopper" and costs like 75 cents!! [mine broke and fell off, causing the problem; wasn't a bolt-tightening issue] but your vid identified the prob anyway). Thanks, sir!

[@Mark-ui4fv]

!

[@kristinaavila8116]

i’m jus a 16 yr old girl and i have no idea WHAT i did under my car BUT I SOMEHOW TURNED INTO AN ENGINEER AND FIXED MY CAR YAYAYAYAYYA

[@garnetnard4284]

This is such a great comment. Congrats young lady.

[@miltonejuarez2828]

@@garnetnard4284 Llm. L po

[@brionywilliams3447]

Girl I’m 20 and know nothing about cars I can’t do it 🥺🥺🥺🥺i understand what I need to do but I can’t reach those parts in my car

[@jazzycat2990]

@@brionywilliams3447 gorl im 22 i was so confused too but it was just the yellow peice that fell, I pushed the seat back and held the peddle down to put it back

[@richcorridore904]

Wow, this video was spot on! Great analogy with the two bolts. When I got under the dash, I found the two bolts backed away from each other. I tightened them both after making sure the white plunger switch was in a workable position and the problem was solved. We saved the cost of a visit to the service center and possibly many tow truck trips from a dead battery. Thanks very much! - RC

[@mikhailmcdaniel9473]

Z

[@bulalaphathutshedzowebster997]

0

[@mcthurman1880]

So amazed at the negative comments. You took your time to explain the repair. Even if it doesn't work for me, just pass on and forget it. I think you did a great job. Thanks for sharing

[@mattatlfan]

Thank you for the kind words. KZbin’s comment section is 90% depravity so I’ve learned not to check very often

[@russellmuscleatl]

I agree, he did a great job

[@zechariahross1444]

The video is out of focus the whole time.

[@Tabastudios]

Omg despite the blurry video bro you have saved us a trip to the mechanic which would have cost more than $100 just for that little plastic piece….life saver!!!!

[@macdaddygeek]

Thank you for posting this. The video quality in the footwell wasn't the greatest, but it got the point across so I was able to fix my wife's problem before having a flat battery. The little yellow plastic piece broke and it was too late to go the the parts store but for a temp fix I taped 3 pennies together and taped that to the brake pedal arm where it would have touched. Worked great!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad that you found the video helpful and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@MinkyUrungus]

It was the video and your method that saved me from a disastrous afternoon. Thank you

[@toriang96940]

Omg the pennies worked ! Didnt wake up to a dead car and im on early shift . Thank you so much

[@rachavya]

MacDaddyGeek, you saved me some typing. You surfaced yet another failure mode; it's the one that I experienced. When I looked under my Toyota Tacoma's dashboard ... 1. I found the switch nuts nice and tight, and the switch in what appeared to be the correct position. 2. I removed the switch to test it with a meter. It tested fine. And yes, that switch can fail, although failures are rare. 3. I did NOT see any kind of yellow plastic button, and at the time didn't even realize there needed to be one. 4. Visibility was very low, and therefore I didn't see the HOLE that had been left in the metal as a result of the complete wearing off of the yellow button. A mechanic alerted me to the need for such a button. Without the button, the white plunger (moving part of the switch) was actually entering the hole, and thus had no opportunity to be pressed. As in your case, plugging the hole solved the problem. I used a body panel push pin.

[@c.dehoyos7522]

.

[@brodieobrien-pickering2202]

I can not describe in written words how absolutely fucking estatic i was when this fixed the problem. You sir are a saint, a scholar, and an absolute fuckin bro for posting this video.

[@mattatlfan]

I was raised in a two parent household, have a wife, two children, and a number of lifelong friends..and yet somehow, whoever @brodieobrien-pickering2202 is just gave me the nicest list of compliments that anyone has ever uttered

[@lodupkia8793]

you just saved me a weeks grocery...thank you kind American fellow...from a micronesian fellow

[@williamhalter8456]

OMG I went through and checked every fuse in the car trying to figure out why my wifes brake lights were staying on and running her battery down: and its Texas 100+ degrees today right now (evening) still in the 90's, sweating my butt off. I watched ur video and had the problem fixed in ten minutes, hurt the crap out of my back laying upside down under the dash but I got her car fixed and I couldn't thank you enough. Great video, to the point and I completely understood your demo with the bolts and all. Thank you so much and my wife says thanks too. You might have said 14 mm wrench,,, but I took a handful of wrenches with me and found the right one, the bigger one i had to use crescent, and my hand but I think I got it tight enough. Thanks!!!

[@mattatlfan]

Fuses and relays were my instinctive thought as well. It's an uncomfortable position to have to get into to fix, but luckily isn't any more difficult than it is once you're down there. Thanks for watching!

[@AbortedEvolution]

Bro. Omg what a lifesaver. My stupid little plastic thing disintegrated to pieces. I was tearing that whole car apart. It's got so many electric gremlins I was sure it was another. Thanks!

[@braaap5096]

Awesome you just saved me a trip to Kia for my wife! Thanks bro

[@kj109]

Use the furniture protector pad instead. That works if the rubber crystallized and broke off. The furniture protector pad is the small pad with a sticky side and soft top to prevent furniture from scratching the floor. Place the pad under the white part where the rubber used to be.

[@mattatlfan]

Good call!

[@shannonmoa9193]

2024 - thank you so much. Found the problem in one minute and know how to fix it! Even figured it out before hubby 😏 Have put a temporary stopper in place for now (it's night time) and will get a new part tomorrow. Glad I found your video :)

[@nilsanavarro1658]

Life saver... Got this done at 2 am in less than 5 min lil black ruber had fail out was on floor just had 2 place it back while pressing the break thanks!!

[@jazzycat2990]

Same here!

[@dannybonesdaddy]

Thank you, this helped. The setup on my Rendezvous was different, but I learned enough from your video to be able to quickly fix it. I had actually broken a zip tie that was holding the sensor down with my toe.

[@Kjhogan24]

Thanks! I work at a University and a student needed help. Couldn't fix it completely, but was able to get the light to stay off by jamming a pen cap between the two. She'll take it to a mechanic tomorrow for the washer I suppose.

[@mattatlfan]

Great to hear and glad you were able to find a makeshift solution!

[@matthewpennington7387]

I automatically trusted you because of the hat! Very helpful! Thanks man RTR

[@Celicagame13]

Matthew Pennington is this John Matthew Pennington from Florida?

[@mattatlfan]

KZbin out here trying to make it a small world

[@marysmith6311]

RMFT

[@mattatwood3979]

This was an awesome video. Fixed the problem without having to go into a shop. Thanks man!

[@etiennerojas2987]

I. Got. A code for my vehicle po573 indicates that the brake switch is bad. My brake lights switch indicator shows its on . but. When I step on the brakes the brake lights turn off. Then When I realise the brake pedal the. Brake lights turn off. So my brake lights work just fine. Any recommendations or should i just switch it anyways?

[@trainerskulb00d]

Good info! Found my bumper the white post hits broke off. Easy fix.

[@SethBerry79]

I just had the same issue pop up on my 2003 Civic. Thanks for the vid.

[@mattatlfan]

+Seth Berry Glad it was helpful!

[@gerberagirl11]

did you have to unbolt to get to it or just put the plug in?

[@mattatlfan]

It was just a situation where the setup has been loosened over time and needed appropriately tightened. Nothing was unbolted or plugged in here, what are you seeing in your assembly?

[@danskmacabre]

Thanks for the tip from Queensland, Australia. Was stuck out in the middle of nowhere outside Brisbane with a dodgy brake light that stayed on. The brake sensor screw had fallen out. A quick temporary replacement with a screw got it working ok again!

[@jdetterb]

Your video was helpful. I didn't need to tighten the nuts. Instead, it turned out a small wax plug attached to the top of the brake pedal fell out, thus preventing the pedal from pushing in the sensor and turning off the brake light despite the pedal being fully released. I re-inserted the wax plug and then the sensor worked fine.

[@mattatlfan]

Right on! Glad you got it fixed for free

[@gdoubler81]

Thanks man...this helped me out a lot. The yellow plastic piece (blue in my Acura rdx) broke and left a empty hole, so the sensor had nothing to press against. I replaced it with a small nut and bolt. Good as new now.

[@Nenebee1024]

My RSX is having the same problem with brake lights, I haven't actually checked to see what is wrong with the sensor yet but this might be a good solution 👀 I read that extreme heat can damage that little part so it wouldnt surprise me that mine is busting in the summertime. Thanks for the tip!

[@grahamweaver4423]

Thank you for helping in my time of need.

[@mattatlfan]

Graham Weaver Glad it was helpful!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad that you found the video helpful and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@marianneeverett9268]

Thanks dude. Very helpful.👍

[@mattatlfan]

No problem, that's why KZbin is so great!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad that you found the video helpful and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@marciesandoval5972]

Looks easy but I have a knee replacement n I cannot bend ugh how much does it cost for someone to fit it for me. Honda Odyssey 2003

[@mre507]

This the issue I need to fix but didn’t understand anything you said lol

[@gemcan54]

After this brake light was fixed under pedal my carpet is wet like a leak has happened. Did the car dealer mess up somewhere?

[@AbdulRahman-yq6pm]

If this doesn't work, please check your brake fluid level. It was actually my problem and, thank God, just by adding some fluid all the lights went off.

[@mohammedal-hawaj9105]

i have same issue with my 1991 k5 blazer, which is the brake light always ON inside the dash ? any advise ? oil brake level is good

[@crystalbishop991]

Mohammed Al-Hawaj ki

[@christinepagano5255]

Great information! Thank you for posting, aloha!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad it helped!

[@Darealisttt_a]

Can this work on Ford Fusion 2016 ?

[@costakb9915]

Thank you for the video!! I was able to fix my brake problem on my 2004 Sonata! Its temporary until my husband can get to an auto parts store, but now no brake lights on, until I depress the pedal!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@atomiccottoncandy4161]

Ty just had to replace second battery because screws came lose and I did not noticed lights where staying on save me a trip to auto zone for a new switch

[@mattatlfan]

Perfect, glad it worked!

[@michaelcvetic5393]

Thanks for the tip! Very helpful! My problem was the little white plunger that was stuck in the out position. I have a 2012 Sonata. My design has a little rubber gasket thing that depresses the plunger. Looks like the rubber part warped from years of use and heat. I was able to turn it upside down and gorilla glue it in place. It now seems to be working. Fingers crossed. Thanks again, Matt!

[@beckypickard6414]

You’ve saved me and me mum, legend you. Thanks so much

[@danielelma153]

You are the best

[@mattatlfan]

Awesome! Thanks for the watch

[@miguelconde1897]

Can someone tell me where I can find the fuse for the stop light in the top for jeep grand Cherokee 2007 thanks

[@ezrabrooks7785]

The last place you look

[@johnnysimsthree6681]

my sensor drilled a whole in mine. i put a penny in between for quick fix. but when moving i will have to get it fixed. thanks bud.

[@shovelheadseven]

I put 2 washers in between as a quick fix wrapped in duct tape. Should hold until I make the adjustment correctly. Penny is a better idea.

[@davidpowers8186]

Good video. Fixed my taillight problem.

[@WmTyndale]

Thank You. Much appreciated the mechanics!

[@spazchicken1]

thanks so much! Found the little rubber stopper broke off on my 2000 Hyundai Elentra and it was just a hole so it wasn't pushing in :D

[@mattatlfan]

Such a small thing but a serious pain if it acts up. Glad the video helped!

[@TheAutoexecbat]

Thank you for this. My son's car had this issue. He got under and discovered the stopper pad had dried up and broke off, but now we know what to fix

[@mattatlfan]

Perfect. Glad it helped!

[@DatGirlAlicia]

My brake light keeps dinging and it’s irritating!!! Helppppp 2016 Chevy Cruze Premier

[@ChickMcFugget]

Thank you sir! Just fixed my Hyundai Tiburon!

[@mattatlfan]

Nice work!

[@MrTito2312]

Thanks, fixed my mdx

[@iranianagainsmullahs]

Dude u just saved me a lot of headache, time and money. Had the same problem with hundai tucson 2008 and ur instructoon helped me fix it. Greetings from warm Dubai

[@mattatlfan]

Great!

[@iranianagainsmullahs]

again thanks a lot. it is very hot right now in Dubai and the last thing I wanted to do is go to to a mechanic for such a "thank to you" little problem.

[@liamdonaldson6449]

Looked at our 2011 Rav 4 and that switch is totally different. Does not seem to have any adjustment nuts at all. Looks like its enclosed inside a plastic shield. Probably Toyota making sure we buy a new part and pay for the install?

[@V0SUGMI]

Yo matt, have a 2002 santa fe as well, found the video very helpful, it is the exact problem I'm having, my "yellow buffer pad" has actually broken into pieces, any idea what the name of that part is so i can buy one? or will i have to buy the whole pedal?

[@mattatlfan]

Thanks for checking the video out! Its technical name is the brake pedal stop pad. Super cheap part that you can check out here (this one is for a sonata just because it was the first link that popped up when I googled it) ---> www.partsgeek.com/j8hb8h2-hyundai-sonata-brake-pedal-stop-pad.html?PartsGeek+ShoppingCom&fp=pp&Hyundai+Brake+Pedal+Stop+Pad

[@Joe_C.]

I just had the same problem in an 04 Sonata... THANK YOU to both of you for the question and answer! 😊

[@dogcow666]

Thanks had the same prob I just stuck a wad of paper up there for now to actuate the switch while the car isnt running

[@viktorsanchezz8093]

Fluffy Panda brake pedal sensor pad

[@toriang96940]

Saved me a days work and so much grief! Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@mattatlfan]

Awesome, glad it was helpful!

[@33818ual]

Thanks for the tip. I have a 2002 Sana Fe my fix was even easier I just put i small bolt and nut in that empty hole on the brake pedel arm.Thanks again It took 10 min.

[@mattatlfan]

Glad it helped!

[@maydaramirez705]

How do I take it off?

[@blinkzane2023]

Thank you for this, I adjusted it and the lights stayed on so I am replacing the sensor

[@mattatlfan]

Glad it helped!

[@funmikeca]

Hey thanks for your video it was a great help keep it up

[@mattatlfan]

Awesome! Thanks for checking it out

[@nikzawi8696]

Worked beautifully, thanks!!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad that you found the video helpful and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@scoot1906]

Thanks! I walked out to my car and my brake lights were on. I had no idea how long they had been that way. Your video saved me.

[@mattatlfan]

Glad it helped!

[@davehed6057]

Thanks so much! Turns out my bushing had disintegrated. Cost $1.69 to fix.

[@mattatlfan]

Dave Hed Awesome! Lots cheaper than whatever a repair shop would’ve decided was wrong with it

[@veezy408]

What’s the part called and where can I get one?

[@mattatlfan]

Veezy 408 I think it's just called a bumper pad but I'm sure that varies from one car manufacturer to the next. I'll take a look and post back if I find anything online for sale

[@fijiswifty5913]

Thank you for this video and illustration I appreciate 🙏 it alot

[@ivanruvalcaba1161]

Thanks man, found the broken rubber washer.

[@mattatlfan]

Glad I could help. Thanks for the watch!

[@stara808]

totally out of focus and cannot see a thing;) The one that worked for me used 2 pennies glued together glued into the slot where the plastic button was/goes (that broke) along the brake. worked w/super glue like a charm:)

[@mattatlfan]

I hear ya. It's an older video with an older camera. Wish I'd have had an iPhone 11 back then and I wouldn't get this comment so often. Hopefully it still helps enough to get somebody out of a tough spot

[@garnetnard4284]

@@mattatlfan the younger generation don’t know how good they have it. I used to have to wait 2 minutes for an entire picture to download and show up in my screen. I know I sound like a boomer but I’m gen x! Technology has changed that quickly!

[@ebrazil25]

I have an 2013 Elantra brake lights are on and right light is staying on hope this work’s unplugged both lights this morning so battery wouldn’t die.

[@mattatlfan]

I’d be surprised if this is connected to your issue or only one light is staying on. That sounds more like an electrical component needing attention

[@101000102]

Thanks for this explanation

[@mattatlfan]

Glad it was able to help!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad that you found the video helpful and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@mvr89rodriguez44]

Thank you so much it's a small rubber washer that fell off I found it on the floor thanks for your video

[@romanticbread9833]

Thanks bud, this really helped me out!

[@hobiejohnneal]

Great help bro, thanks a lot!

[@mattatlfan]

Glad it helped, thanks for watching and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@mattatlfan]

No problem, glad it helped!

[@murtu007]

Thanks! Very useful.

[@mattatlfan]

Yes sir! Thanks for watching

[@jamesgeorge7898]

This fixed my daughter’s Tucson brake light issue. Thank you!

[@mattatlfan]

Yes sir! Thanks for watching

[@mattatlfan]

Yes sir! Thanks for watching

[@anselmarodriguez626]

James George I have the same problem with my car. Is there a name for the part or what did you use

[@jamesbrown7991]

thxs Matt..fixed the prob from your instructions..you tha man

[@mattatlfan]

Great to hear!

[@xeneizeusa]

Thank you. Helped point me in the right direction to fix this on my daughter's Tucson.

[@mattatlfan]

Glad it helped!

[@henrynwosu1]

Thank you.

[@MinkyUrungus]

Thanks a lot, man!

[@lennyperry4466]

Thank you! I fixed it myself.

[@stopcensorship7365]

So just tighten the bolt?

[@mattatlfan]

For me I tightened the bolt and made the component function as it should’ve, but some people have said their pad has disintegrated and suggested using a furniture pad/adhesive floor protector and it was perfect.

[@Snarkapotamus]

How the hell do you get under there?

[@gamertyper6476]

your hhhwhite piece! lol damn you should make more videos hearing you talk is great

[@mattatlfan]

c'mon Ron, people have commented on the way I say words with "wh-" my hhhwhole life and now I'm catching flack on KZbin over it lol

[@AfroPower28]

Appreciate you for this post ! saved me time & money, this was also the culprit as to why my battery was draining so quickly smh 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@mattatlfan]

Thanks! Happy to help

[@heyjulieenriquez]

i have a hyundai too and this is my exact problem

[@pixelFiz]

Thanks for showing the placement, saved me a ton of time.

[@mattatlfan]

+Nate Estelle Absolutely! Glad it was helpful

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad that you found the video helpful and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@akimateru7980]

Too blurry.why not use the cell phone lights?

[@lauraestes9304]

I found the tiny rubber piece broken on my floorboard of my 2015 Kia.....but how to fix it....lol I will research this again I feel stupid that it isnt so easy to fix to me....to get down on the floor and see it in the dark...

[@mattatlfan]

In case anyone else has a similar thought and happens upon this comment, I saw another comment by someone saying they used a furniture pad/adhesive floor protector and it was perfect.

[@rwhit7334]

Fixed my problem!! Thanks so much. 👍🏻

[@mattatlfan]

R Whit awesome! Love to hear it

[@garcia20021031]

It worked for a Kia 2010

[@omarcamargo7710]

Thank you. At first I did not clearly understand the lesson, but once I got under the panel Bingo!!! I saw what you were talking about. First I tested te switch by pushing it in and then adjusted the 2 nuts and done.

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad it helped! It definitely wasn't the easiest thing to depict but once you get into it I thought it could be a guide to get it fixed

[@judithderob4937]

Thank you sooo much! I broke the plastic thing because i used the break too strong while the car was off. It was already 10pm and i had no one to help me. I used a penny and a tape. Worked perfectly. Plus the comments helped a lot !

[@Da0Real0G]

I changed my breaklight sensor but the lights are still on and wont go off

[@mattatlfan]

This is one of several issues that could be happening. What make/model is your vehicle? Also, is there any noteworthy information related to when the issue popped up or related occurrences?

[@Da0Real0G]

+mattatlfan it's an volkswagen phaeton. I changed the sensor tody and right after the change the break lights are still on even did the 5min plug off the battery thing but they are still on so i will try tomorow to erase the fault with my vag com

[@mattatlfan]

+Da0Real0G there's a chance there is a relay that is out. If you can have someone stand behind your car then pull up on the break pedal, I'd be interested to see if your lights go off. If so then you may just have the sensor set too far in the on position.

[@FaranDot]

mattatlfan 07740779991

[@dankerton9063]

Thank you!

[@mattatlfan]

I'm glad that you found the video helpful and hope you'll consider subscribing

[@anastasiachandler1407]

Thank you sir Great job.

[@mattatlfan]

Absolutely! Thanks for the view and comment

[@ef7952]

Huge help! Thnx bro

[@makaylabrooks8826]

Thank you so much! Thanks to you I was able to fix the problem myself!😁🙏🏾

[@mattatlfan]

Awesome, glad it helped!

[@mnptm]

Think you

[@Rolandjams]

I seen the busted bumper on the floor and looked under and seen a spare right next to it. I put it where I needed it with some silicone glue for back up. . Thanks for the tip.

[@nenezaze3252]

P

[@crashbandit3]

Thanks; God bless you!

[@theMetallico666]

Life saver man, my Civic had the issue, apparently a bluish plastic that was holding the sensor bursted out (heat in south TX is unbearable these days). Used a nut and a bolt to solve the issue and its working like new.

[@mattatlfan]

Awesome, glad it helped!

[@ChristinaMorrison]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Literally a life saver! Took about 2 second to fix after watching this.

[@karenrowehl]

Thank you! My brake lamp switch was adjusted 3 days ago and I thought the problem was fixed. Tonight, my brake lamp didn’t shut off when I turned off the car and I was afraid the lights would drain my battery overnight. Your video helped me see the problem area and I just shoved a thick note pad in the middle of the contraption and that was successful in shutting the lights off. Now at least I’ll have a working battery so I can drive to the repair shop -to get the brake lamp switch REPLACED this time! I left a big note for myself in the seat to remember to pull the note pad out before I try to drive it!😂

[@manuelcantu8572]

Great information, Thank you

[@mattatlfan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamperkins9349]

I'm afraid this was o help. The picture was fuzzy & I could not understand what you were saying. Your bolt thing in the garage made no sense and the echo of the garage made it impossible for me to understand what you were saying.

[@sunshineorraiin]

Thank you. I put a nickel and some tape. Looks like I’m missing a part in this region. I appreciate your help, super easy to understand.

[@mattatlfan]

Awesome! Glad it was beneficial

[@lemmilienne]

Thank you, this helped save our night!

[@mattatlfan]

You're welcome! Glad to hear that and thanks for the view