Brake Pedal and Brake Light Sensor Switch Testing and Replacement

Brake pedal sensor, brake pedal position sensor, brake pedal position switch...there are a number of names for this switch. Bottom line, this sensor activates the brake lights when the brake pedal is depressed.
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Any attempt to repair automotive parts and/or systems carries risk of personal injury. Always adhere and follow safe practices when working on vehicles. Such as, safety glasses, jack stands, no loose clothing, etc. No guarantee or warranty is implied. Use the information in this video at your own risk. Carsntoys is a member of the Amazon Influencer Program.
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#brakelightswitch

[@neurofiber2406]

Best switch test video. It's the only one I've seen that explains that the bottom 2 pins are for cruise control. Good work.

[@79sdv10]

Just what I needed to confidently replace the one on my 07 RAV4. Thanks for the clear video, dude!

[@CarsNToys]

Great! Glad to help.

[@quvenus]

Super helpful, for this girl at least. You made it very easy to understand. Unfortunately my brake switch is different ☹️

[@sinhalaapiuk]

Very Clear and steady camera..Thank you..very helpful your video..

[@PunkaSaurus9894]

I greatly appreciate the straight forward and clear description of the process.

[@rjaybruhh]

*_Watching this for my automotive labs! Nice!_*

[@heatherg1706]

Thank you. I’m going to try this later on. Looks way too easy. The brake sensor was listed as a possible reason I’ve had issues with my start button functioning.

[@amberlove-jones3414]

Did you try it, Heather? Did that solve your starting issues?

[@pauladams1532]

Excellent point. If you can’t press the brake pedal, the start button won’t work unless you start via ACC

[@jamesfriedman1878]

Thanks for a good clear and concise explanation of the brake switch, wire harness, and troubleshooting.

[@Dreccomel193]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video...

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help out.

[@patdina9642]

Great video, short, straight to the point and complete. Help me out with my problem. Thanks

[@tpmotorsltd1353]

😅

[@eliohfreire]

Thank you so much! Fixed my car's tail lights with your video! Cheers from Brazil!

[@Linuxwarlord]

Thanks bud, appreciate the very informational video! :)

[@colonizespace]

I had a unique situation where, for some reason, one of the 4 cables that's part of the connector became damaged and frayed. Possibly in-part to some grounding issues, as it was a negative cable. As a result, shifting out of park would work sometimes and not work. Over time it, got worse and very rarely ever did. I tested the switch after removing it, to replace it with a new one for the sake of it , and I didn't get any continuity from one of the negative leads, which was the pin that connects to the wire with the frayed cable. So my guess is that it was causing a bad connection and as a result, killed the switch. The pins used for cruise control was fine though. Never mash your brake pedals excessively when you have this issue in hopes that you can finally get it out of park. May create additional, unwanted damage; Thus means more money out of your pocket. Edit: I went to a dealer to get an estimate to diagnose & repair the issues and it came to just over $300. Did it myself for $30 for a wire & new switch.

[@simonduvall42]

This was very helpful, thanks you!

[@LifeWithCookie4]

Omg this video is so helpful I have a 2000 Lexus rx300 and my brake lights don’t come on and my gear shift will not move out of Park omg this was so helpful

[@brahman2539]

Thank you. Good explanation

[@lessmigrantsmorewalls8392]

Straight to point brother

[@wessie73]

thank you for the lesson and time in making this video

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@geraldineabecia4937]

Hi, i found your video very interesting which I guess it’s related to my car’s problem. I have a nissan march 2004 car and everytime I press my pedal (brake) makes a continuous sound like a reverse sound. All my lights are working but don’t know why it makes sound. I tried my best to investigate and I found this white button above the pedal same as your video that part of the car.

[@annshoemaker1568]

Very easy to understand

[@owl1873]

Simple. Thank you.

[@MusicMath123]

thank you!

[@nebulous962]

Thank you for showing this :) i am planning to build diy electric vehicle and this really helped :)

[@CarsNToys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@franciscomedellin9709]

Thanks a ton, I love you man!!!

[@antionenewman89]

Thank you so much

[@juanguifam67]

Thanks you help me a lot

[@user-kw5mw8gk4w]

Well. You. Nailed this. ,everybody was telling me. Transmission problem….5000.00. To fix..instead it was 20. Dollars and all it was the back brake light switch…..THANKYOU!

[@choi440]

Nice video thanks will test

[@savoielvis1]

Thank you soooooo much :)

[@aribeni8113]

So thankful for this test shown in the video. UNFORTUNATELY FOR ME mine is functioning so the simple fix is not the case for me. Stuck trying to find more information on what it could be..... 😭

[@Godssupersoldier777]

Did you find the solution?

[@user-jo4ox6yz5s]

Me too did you ever find the cause?

[@martinblagrove2166]

If I had to guess that rubber piece (which I found laying on the driver side floor under the break pedal) is causing most of the problems not necessarily the brake pedal sensor itself. Apparently this rubber piece breaks and falls off causing the brake pedal sensor tip not contacting the break pedal. I was able to fix it temporarily by using adhesive felt that is put on the bottom the legs of chairs and place it in between the tip of the sensor and where it is supposed to make contact with the brake pedal. Use a small screwdriver to push the tip of the sensor back to make room for the felt. Placing the adhesive side of the felt on the brake pedal helps to keep it in place. The break lights worked fine after I did this. This works until you can get professional help.

[@patrick9761]

awesome thanx!

[@Qtrainer]

Don't forget to check that the rubber grommet that the switch presses against has not fsllen off.

[@trentgibson4737]

Where does the rubber grommet go?

[@Qtrainer]

@@trentgibson4737 On the lever that connectets the brake pedal. There is a little rubber grommet that falls off. Causing the issue.

[@trentgibson4737]

Would you rather use the black brake pedal pad, or the clear one ?

[@Qtrainer]

@@trentgibson4737 I can go either way.

[@martinblagrove2166]

If I had to guess that rubber piece (which I found on the floor under the break pedal) is causing most of the problems not necessarily the brake pedal sensor itself. Apparently it breaks and falls off causing the brake pedal sensor not contacting the break pedal. I was able to use felt that is put on the bottom the legs of chairs and place it in between the tip of the sensor and where it is supposed to make contact with the brake pedal. I used a small scewdriver to push the sensor tip back to make room for the felt pad. Placing the adhesive side of the felt on the brake pedal helps to keep it in place. I'm not sure how long this will last but this works until you can get professional help.

[@munamido]

Very informative, thank you

[@banjofernandez]

Does this switch also adjustable for the brake pedal depth or height? My crosstrek brake feel a little to deep. Any idea? Thanks.

[@kinkey365]

Thank you

[@RRSS10]

شكر لك Thank you 👍🏻😁

[@CarsNToys]

Glad to help!

[@redxthread6847]

question: does continuity start immediately when plunger STARTS to move? I don't have brake lights unless brake pedal depressed all the way, ie. only when plunger is fully released. thx

[@EduardoMartinez-pw7mu]

if it is the Brake Pedal Sensor, would this blowup the fuse? On my car, I keep replacing the 10A fuse and it keeps burning: I have no brake lights working (three of them) and no cruise control. I am wondering if there is something else since you did not mention anything about fuses.

[@d.n.3652]

I think I need one of these because I was stuck in park and my brake lights wouldn’t come on. I had to keep messing with my brakes to get the lights to come on so I could finally switch gears

[@bgjobass]

Have to do this on my sister’s 2010 Insight

[@mikeyellen362]

My damn 2012 colorado and many other gm vehicles have this common parts failure. Good to carry a spare and fuses

[@CarsNToys]

Bummer.

[@abzz119]

What you think the problem can be as my brake lights are continuously on soon as I put my light switch on?

[@nandikalasitha5933]

Thanks

[@Blixer7]

This helped me reinstall the switch after it worked itself loose. Didn't see any rubber gomit. That is probable why it worked loose

[@MrMerrilees]

u might have helped me ill let u know tomorrow

[@KevinCampbell-un5qe]

Easy fix 💯

[@sylver7630]

Before you do anything… Try this… My situation was my brake lights worked but I was having trouble getting the stick shift out of park. I sprayed some WD-40 on that button at the bottom of the switch and that was what the problem was! The damn thing was stuck… That’s all it needed. May not fix it for you but it sure did for me! Certainly worth trying before you do anything else… Now if your brake lights won’t shut off that is something else probably. But it was an instant fix.

[@jakenet1]

Thanks!

[@kylej117]

should you also have continuity working the opposite way on the brake light pins?

[@rockgin]

Is it possible that when/if this switch fails...it affects the shift lock (being stuck in Park), but the brake lights still work?

[@lancereyesromero7811]

Wanted to know about this. Stuck shift lock and no brake lights

[@lancereyesromero7811]

if you havent solved this. my problem was only to change the fuse of the tailights and shift lock. 2 10amps fuse under the steering wheel

[@toddsmith1690]

Yes. Those are definitely the symptoms.

[@gstree]

Not all brake light switches work the same, some of the Peugeot range have continuous continuity through the switch and pushing the brake pedal down breaks the connection.

[@cooldude2245]

excellent

[@90nadz]

My esp light is continuously on, just wondering if the brake switch maybe the main culparat in all this... Hmm

[@claybaby003]

I have a 2004 Mazda RX 8 and I replaced my switch but the little round green pad that the switch presses against broke off can you tell me what this called so I can order a new one please

[@la28575]

Question, should the battery be unplugged to safely do this? I see you are touching the wires... Just want to safe.

[@Ngutsiathoesplatform]

When I press the break paddle I can feel something shaking underneath the paddle is there anything wrong with the break?

[@MrJJHiggs]

helped me out, but first had to find where to unscrew panel to access switch bumper.

[@amberlove-jones3414]

My 2005 Touareg often doesn't start, even with the new battery. A friend told me it's probably a relay switch under the brake pedal. Any ideas? I'm trying desperately to avoid a new car payment!

[@BeyondXclusv]

What year is your car. Mines is a 2015, not in that location.

[@carlosbaca5747]

Where is it at on a 2004 Cadillac Escalade?

[@JOHNMINKA]

i have no offside brake light but the other nearside and back window come on checked fuzes bulbs wires DO YOU THINK IT MIGHT BE THIS I HAVE NO WIRING DIACRAM FOR 2009 A CLASS.?

[@jyothiepundit7917]

Dose it work on isuzu 2004 kb 3lx double cab diesel

[@user-mz1or2uo6q]

I have no brake lights on my saab 900 turbo 1990 model converable , do all saabs have the same switch and position on the pedal

[@phillipschneider4175]

Only one side of my cars break lights aren't working. Would this be a switch problem.

[@MrBEIJINGJACK]

The cruise control on my father’s Prius just died….could one of the problems to cause this be this switch if it isn’t working?? TIA!! Jack

[@laynebruce4862]

So if the break lights work does it means its not this partvthat is the problem..do i move on to solanoid??

[@MrZmoney420]

I thought this was the cruise control cutoff switch not the break light switch they both must look very similar?

[@PandaMan02]

he said this switch was for both, 2 pairs of connectors, one for the brake light the other set for cruise control

[@nobletruthshealingandascen183]

My car Won't shift from Park unless I put it on Neutral first - looks like this might fix it!

[@Dr_Al-Hashemi]

Brake lights in my car are temporary will only work for 20 minutes after a cold start. Afterwards no brake lights and gear won't shift from P. Replaced Body control module and brake light switch many times still the same problem. Electrician is always able to get the brake lights to work manually / bypassing the switch. On testing everything seems to be working perfectly from body control module all the way to "just before the brake pedal area". It's not the switch, is there something else close to the brake light switch that might cause a temperamental brake light? Any ideas please? Mustang 5.0 2012 in Europe hence no one is able to fix it and I end up buying random parts after watching KZbin videos. Thanks in advance

[@DougHinVA]

a 2000 Corolla has any view or access to the switch blocked by an air conditioner plastic tube, so you cannot access the switch to replace it. There MAY be other cars that way as well.

[@mikemartinez9697]

I have a Kia Forte 2010, I see the switch do I need to take out anything before taking the switch out? Also can I drive my car without the switch?

[@zahoorshah2824]

No you cant drive without it

[@teejayleduc9208]

Just chage mine...i change the fuses before but now there not burn they are good! So dont know what to to because it still not turn on 😞

[@calcysmith6076]

Do this control park lights

[@abrarmunir1099]

make a video about Chevrolet lumina 2008 am not seeing here in KZbin

[@SycFuk2000]

All my brake lights won't turn on when i brake so i hope replacing a fuse will fix it all. However, changing the brake light switch might be the solution if all else fails.

[@donaldhenderson4400]

Brake lights stuck on 2011 gmc yukon. Changed switch already

[@agarciaagarcia3598]

so you covered half the switch. The other half or the other two contacts in the switch work in opposite. Depressing the button make continuity on the smaller contacts. And there you go, now the entire switch is covered.

[@RudyRivera60]

Mine beeps only when I push it that means it’s bad right?

[@masif9346]

My gear lock is working but break light is not working in corolla 2002 model

[@alfredantoine8619]

2005 Toyota Tundra break light switch to be replace

[@RockinProfessor]

Mr "CarsNToys"; my problem is my PARKING Brake light on dash cluster flashes off & on intermittently. Sometimes when parking brake is disengaged, I can reach down and wiggle foot pedal & light will go OFF then flash ON & OFF again & again. Something is not right. Could you please explain what You would do to check the problem...(pertaining to my 2005 GMC Canyon)--Thank You----*UPDATE* > Found a short Video 'DIY with Michael Borders' on You Tube explaining how to easily Reset the ABS/Braking System in 20 seconds. Anyone with the same problem I had should TRY this amazingly easy method first.....it's worth the try.

[@dakotahooper3011]

On my car the brake lights stay on after i release the pedal I physically have to get down there and pull on my pedal to get the lights to turn off. I dont feel my pedal budging at all but it clearly will turn my brake lights off untill i press the pedal again and the brake lights are stuck on until i give the pedal a pull again... is this switch the problem? The car is a 1993 240sx

[@scottymurray5673]

Following

[@tcsgirl6865]

Did you ever find a solution to your brake light problem? I am having same problem. Brake light staying on but if I pull the brake pedal forward the rear brake lights go off. If I let the brake pedal rest where it rests, the rear brake lights come on.

[@krtolebiohazardcs1.681]

How to test wiring that is connected on this switch?

[@Snootie5k]

That's What I Need To Know Asap 👀👀

[@dylangardener1580]

My break lights work but its still stuck in park. Any suggestions?

[@ginas3010]

@Redeemed That seems to be exactly what is going on with mine!

[@CrankingBots]

Will this fix my cruise control that doesn't work?

[@anwarnishthar1188]

Hey did you try this fix cruise control ?. Brake light works, but does this has to do with cruise control? Because I am having Lexus gs 300, with cruise control not able to set the speed. When I press the Button, cruise light shows on the dashboard however, when I try to set the speed by move down the lever, nothing happens. No error code in obd or check engine light appreared yet. Any idea how to fix this ?

[@georgelinn7154]

@@anwarnishthar1188 no

[@dfields9511]

What do you think about a break light switch that after you replaced it works for about a week then the switch burns out. This has happened twice to me on a 2001 maxima. Also the ABS light is on , maybe related

[@DaeTv23]

I changed the brake pedal switch and the light is stilll on. What do I do!?

[@aribeni8113]

I am having the same issue. Did u get it resolved?

[@sudhirpawar9109]

What is price of the switch? In USD

[@thisisanoldemaildonotreply7045]

Mine works perfectly but the stopper pushes it away instead of just pushing thee button therefore leaving my brake lights on

[@toltec13]

I have ohms reading, but no continuity on my brake switch

[@nnaacchhoooestrada4638]

My brake switch slides in but doesn't let me turn it clockwise to lock it in it just slides back and brake light stays on

[@GabesaNinja]

It's weird how the 08-14wrx hatchback is the only impreza that has this type of brake light switch

[@JoeJoe-if6if]

is this for code P1575?? please let me know

[@lo-k3ydapoet327]

Its p1675 ........

[@angelvazquez6034]

So I just took my 2002 Acura TL 3.2 to the shop nearest to my house the guy said the part was like about 5 buks and he said he was gonna charge me 100 because of 1 hour of labor , my car was there for 1hr only idk but I think they flat out hussled me ... Does somebody no the average cost for somebody to replace it ??

[@CarsNToys]

That's pretty standard, as crazy as it sounds. Shops here in the North East charge above $100/hr. Not a bad gig.

[@lo-k3ydapoet327]

You could have done it yourself simple job..... but that's how shops make money.....simple job but there minimum will be an hr. Worth of labor......

[@brianmeharg7345]

Mine is the same as this switch. It has 4 pins...what is the function of the other pins and how do you test it full function? Should there be continuity across any of the other pins? Either when the plunger is pressed or not?? I have continuity between to pins when the plunger is not pressed...and continuity between the other 2 when it is pressed. My brake lights are not coming on...and there is no power to the corresponding wire at the back when the brake pedal is pressed. Also my cruise control is intermittent and my ABS light is always on.

[@lj4003]

What kind of car is this ?

[@anwarnishthar1188]

Brake light works, but does this has to do with cruise control? Because I am having Lexus gs 300, with cruise control not able to set the speed. When I press the Button, cruise light shows on the dashboard however, when I try to set the speed by move down the lever, nothing happens. No error code in obd or check engine light appreared yet. Any idea how to fix this ?

[@crystal2229]

I’ll have to take a look at my car in the morning they’re trying to charge me $232 to replace it at the shop thanks

[@adamjg4]

1:34 stuck in park symptom & testing

[@alfredocardenas506]

Also they said it maybe a fuse, and some times new switches come on defective and better to replace for a used one

[@kas9633]

What if my breaking stop lights work fine, but I have problems with cruise control, EMP, Auto - Stop. There is a fail P0504 "Breaking pedal switch". Is there any chance that the pedal sensor is broken anyway even when the test shows that it is ok? There is continuity between break stop pins and cruise control... I`ve checked everything and I have no idea what can be wrong...

[@Big_Serb]

Check the connector, and for most cars these switches are not expensive at all. Manual cars might have a sensor above the clutchpedal that might fail.

[@kas9633]

@@Big_Serb Hi. Thx for your answer. I think I found the problem which was the connector with a group of the cables in the back of the car... I am going to open it soon....