Car Brake Lights Stuck On / Off, Can't Start? Brake Switch Diagnosis

Did you know there is a push button switch that flips on and off when you use the brake pedal? Not only does it turn the tail lights on and off, in modern cars, it is part of the safety systems that prevent you from shifting out of park without holding the brake, and in some cases, even starting the car, Truck or SUV, at all! In this video Len shows you how to diagnose the brake switch and figure out if you need to replace yours, or it just needs an adjustment!
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While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

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[@JamesKLuper]

Fry guy.

[@lizhewes]

This was so helpful, thank you! I'm going to try this. After replacing our brake booster we've been driving around with our brake lights on and even drained the battery once. (And no, the new booster we installed was not adjustable).

[@Trump-The-GREATEST]

My breaking switch was causing transmission problems. Car sometimes would not move in reverse and when it did it suddenly would put on the breaks without me stepping on the break paddle! Freaking annoying untill I got the schematic of the switch for the 2007 Corolla and found out how the switch sends signals to the PCM which controls the ABS system and ECU! My believe was that the switch was faulty as my scanner detected the code and was causing the PCM to automatically enable the ABS like a ghost! Took it out and sprayed some electric cleaner all over and readjust the all switch where when the pedal is not pressed the button of the switch is free from any pressing. This fixed the problem and has been running like it was before! After 2 weeks on this fix I changed the transmission fluid and filter and Corolla runs even more smoothly! I ended up replacing the switch to a genuine updated version for peace of mind! Yes a faulty "Breaking Switch" causes transmission problems and most mechanics will fail to detect the issue!

[@paulvinwi]

Although I haven't yet tried the fixes recommended in the video, I am very grateful that you posted this. I've never had an issue with brake lights staying on continuously but, with your recommendations, I have somewhere to begin the testing. Many thanks!

[@annamarieambrouso7714]

Thank you so much!!! You were much easier to understand and faster than the owners manual. I'm gonna get out there and see if the switch is stuck or broken etc... at least I know where it 'should' be at and probably see if that is actually my problem!!! I will let you know!!! Thanx Again !!! SixxAMA 😸😻😸 Thanx again! 😻😸😻

[@Jevarwallace]

I'm glad that this video was posted.. I have a 1998 corolla. Same shake as this one. A few months ago I've removed the gauge cluster and replaced the regular bulbs that came in it with LED bulbs.. Since then, well before that I've experienced that the left signal light is the only one that blinks and it's a bit dull . The right signal light doesn't come on at all. I've tried replacing the bulb and it's the same issue. When I turn the headlights on and but put it on bright, the left signal light in the gauge cluster comes on bright even when it's off also when I turn the bright on, the blue light that normally indicates that the bright is on doesn't come on. When I turn the flasher on, all lights on both side comes on and functions right and what I've noticed too a few days ago that even the light that indicates that a door is open also on the gauge cluster doesn't come on but the interior lights works perfectly... All lights works perfectly on the car but I think there's something wrong with the gauge cluster or wires... Any help??

[@d-s-ll2378]

Thumbs up! Cars have no small things, any fault can create huge event!

[@martinsloan9875]

Thanks bro, very very informative and useful. Now I know

[@PammySue83]

Okay I've watch different videos an so far this one has explained it well enough I know what I'm checking. Thank you

[@keithhenriquez1531]

As always your video is very informative. Thank you 😊

[@davewoodmancy4596]

At one time I had a 1994 Buick Regal that had just the 3rd brake light come on. Had to replace the complete turn signal switch assembly before the brake lights in the body came on as needed.

[@bobomomo3764]

I unplugged the beak switch wires to save battery until i fix the issue, could that cause any issues or concerns?

[@n3tfury]

good info on how much pressure should be on that switch. thank you

[@kamalabbady6778]

Actually that happened to me before I was driving behind a guy that doesn't have a brake light, everytim he slams on the brake no light I was gonna hit him because I didn't know the car was stopping that was scary

[@rebeccahoon1393]

Thank you so much you described my problem to a T, so now for me to check and hope this is my problem

[@assaettone]

I have a 2008 buick lucerne. The brake light is always on unless i press on the brake pedal just a little. The service manual says a scan tool is needed to zero out the switch. Is there any other way to fix this issue?

[@y2y1500]

Hi, I have same issue with Chevy traverse 2010, always turn on lights no changes when pressing brake pedal !! Also, cruise control button is light and not functioning on dashboard!

[@anthonyhill951]

I replaced my brake light switch on my 2005 explorer. when I put it in gear the engine stops. What is wrong sir.

[@MrScottee411]

I have a 2002 Suzuki XL7 what are the pins on break light switch are for the break lights? There is 4 pins. Any ideas? Thanks again

[@mahmoudalshawi2010]

Very useful information... thanks Len...

[@chrisgeist6528]

I have a 2006 malibu 2.2l and I don't have a brake light switch. I don't see what it looks like if it not similar to the video I'm watching now. There stay on when I'm driving or even when I'm parked.

[@texasbeast239]

My folks have a 2001 Camry with all the brake lights starting on. Drained their battery last night. I climbed under the dash and saw the brake light switch, and the piston button. On theirs, the button looks chrome silver. The brake pedal armature has a hole in it where the button looks like it could possibly slide right in. ??? But right now, the button isn't even making contact with the armature. So it sounds like the switch either needs the piston button adjusted, or the whole switch needs to be replaced.

[@bigjon80]

Thank you

[@peterdoub3920]

Hi just wondering if you could be of help I have a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer ES when I put the head lights on the brake lights stay on while driving during day lights off the brake lights don't stay on they work normal when I brake any idea what could be thanks??I would much appreciate your reply

[@BryanRonk]

Got a question my brake lights on my 2006 f150 stopped working but I could lean under the dash and push the switch and they would come on. I ordered a switch and when I installed it my brakes started working but my truck would go out of park. The kicker and this time I use my foot because while I was waiting on the new switch I had to find a way to use the brake lights so I would push in the switch with my foot to get the brake lights to work. Any way another switch was sent but same thing. Do you know if the 2006 f150 has an adjustment to it? Or what could be causing that with 2 new switches and the brakes work now but unless I bump the switch with my foot won’t go out of park.

[@ronplauche7996]

Used needle nose pliers to squeeze rubber damper for easier installation. Ron

[@josephfahie8147]

My main brake lights do not work when I press on the brake nor does the park lights, reverse lights or indicators. But on the bumper, they all work fine. What could be my issue as to why my main brake light, park light and reverse lights do not work. I own the vehicle for over 2 years now and I only ever saw them work once.

[@kellypyles4418]

Did I miss the part where you said how to adjust the switch or the pedal if the switch is good?

[@lizhewes]

He said the one in the video is not adjustable but at the 1:50 mark there was a quick shot of a switch being adjusted. I need to check mine and pray it can be adjusted!

[@adeum9i]

98 Corolla here the break lights work when pushed but the night ones don’t work to stay on while I’m driving at night. Any tips? I’ve switched the break switch already to test that but no luck.

[@1AAuto]

+Adeum Rivera We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@akii0077]

@@1AAuto can drive car with faulty brake light switch for emergency...

[@rcnewflyer6057]

I put 2 new ones in and it gets stuck when pushed all the way in as soon as the brake hits the piston it pushes it to far in and gets stuck pull it out and does it again 2 new ones same problem. How do I fix this issue on 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan

[@ididntdoit8721]

My break lights only go on when i turn on the lights and when i press down on the peddle my signal lights go on like my breaks got a 2011 jeep liberty

[@Malluinmalaysia]

Thanks bro you saved me

[@paige_judah5538]

I would love to know why my high mount 3rd break light on a 2009 Toyota Avalon only works in cold temps at 50⁰ F and below any higher it don't work at all. Did a lil research and learned several other owners were having problems with their 3rd break like working intermittently. I replaced the light with 2 different lights from the junk yard with the same results so I figured it may possibly be a wiring issue. Didn't know about the breaking switch will get my mechanic to check that next, or buy a new light directly from you guys, hopefully one of then is the problem because I don't want anyone rear ending me.

[@1AAuto]

+Paige _Judah Thanks for the feedback!

[@josephhebery3507]

Hi what would cause the 3rd brake not work on a 04 Nissan titan pickup truck....

[@glennterrell1911]

Thanks for the info

[@Edgar-fc5mg]

Can you do video for a trailblazer 2006

[@armantscheepers1870]

My kia sorento 2.5 diesel brake lights lights not working fuse and brake switch are right

[@jsauce01]

What about using newer switches on older vehicles? I have an 05 ford escape that's supposed to have a switch with that lil black *one shot* calibration...but the one I replaced and the newer part I received did not have such a knob...

[@1AAuto]

+Joe Sauce Great question! Search our video library for more on this vehicle: 1aau.to/m/video-library-c

[@shaunspellman2856]

Can you demo this on an 03 ford expedition!!

[@tyronehowell3909]

My 2009 nissan titan brake light seen when the truck is park and the engine is off the brake light come on and off.

[@raynagaines7510]

01 manual toyota tacoma 2.4L I've replaced the switch and relay and adjusted the switch in many positions but the lights still won't come on... am I missing something?

[@taniasnyman9602]

Hi. Have you found an answer, as we have the exact same problem at the moment.

[@ariahsadventures4152]

How do you remove it on a Jeep compass 2020 I can't find anything at alllllllll

[@juanescalante588]

How would I be able to fix a 97 GMC Sierra?

[@shawnmcilroy4929]

What about a switch that does not look like the one you have????

[@MrBrix3]

Thanks

[@TheCupe18]

Great vid

[@yungal7647]

My brake light stays on . I brought a new brake light switch and it still stays on , what could be the problem?

[@1AAuto]

+@yungal7647 We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@blazeqb]

Happened to my 2007 Lexus es350 I had to hold my foot down longer on the brake to start my car.

[@chiefgwopp1004]

*My Brake Lights Only Turn On When I Press On Them. But When I Turn My Headlights/Lights They Don’t Turn On AT ALL Until I Press On The Pedal*

[@JK-ru7re]

PLEASE HELP**I’m having this problem on an 06 Honda Pilot. Brake lights won’t come on at all. I replaced both bulbs replaced “small fuse” in passenger foot well as long as the brake switch with no luck. Please help. Very frustrating. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[@1AAuto]

+KJ We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@rickycaivano363]

Hey JK, just wondering if you ever resolved your problem. I'm having the same issues and its not the fuses or brake switch? Thanks

[@tammiemurrell3318]

I have an 2000 lexus rx300 and the brake light won't go off on the dash

[@ericcollins8940]

I'm having an issue with lights on all the time, but it isn't the switch. It's a 2018 Honda Fit EX and cannot find a short in the wiring

[@erminbajric4633]

Maybe you have wrong bulbs put.

[@yahmean4730]

“Veericle”

[@VaughanMackie]

my red dim tail lights stay on even when everything is off plz help

[@1AAuto]

+MakiOfficial_ NZ We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@JoseGarcia-i6n]

What if is just one side light not working

[@1AAuto]

+@user-nb6bg6ri9f We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@carlossimon2857]

I didn’t want to like this video because it was on 420 likes but I ruined it.

[@irenehinojosa8065]

Did He uses the brake lights

[@JamesKLuper]

N9

[@TheOutwiththeold]

recall on some cars, Hyundai had a missive recall on there's.

[@bardownsnipe]

Vericle lol

[@1AAuto]

+bardownsnipe Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@barbiesawada245]

2007 Ford F150 , brake lights randomly come on and go off while truck is parked and locked, could it be a bad switch or something else ? Bought it brand new and never had any electrical issues with the truck...

[@1AAuto]

+Barbie Sawada We wouldn't be able to diagnose an issue like that here, you may want to have a local mechanic take a look at it. Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@LostNavigator]

My 2006 Dakota's brake lights come on when I turn on the ignition, Solutions?