How to Remove, Test and Replace Brake Light Switch - Toyota Corolla and Camry

[@josephk9182]

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[@rachavya]

IMPORTANT ADDITION TO AN ALREADY EXCELLENT VIDEO. This excellent video inspired me to go through the same procedure on my 2000 Toyota Tacoma. I was not surprised to see a very similar (if not identical) setup. Toyota doesn't reinvent the wheel for each car model; they tend to re-use their designs. So, I went ahead and did everything suggested, testing everything, adjusting everything. As in the video, the switch was not my problem. My adjustments were spot on. But STILL, after putting everything back together, the problem persisted! In desperation, I consulted with my excellent local mechanic. He immediately identified the ultimate cause of the problem, having personally witnessed it time and again on vehicles brought to him for repair (Toyotas, Hondas, and who knows what else). Let me explain below. Position the video around 4:47 and you'll see an excellent, well lit image of the problem area. Focus on the metal piece that touches the tip of the switch. As it moves up and down (with brake pedal movement), you see how it is supposed to press and release the switch's button. If you look closely, you will see that the place the switch touches looks slightly different than the surrounding metal. What you are seeing is a very much worn-down black rubber button. Over time, with countless brake actions, this piece wears down and eventually falls off. It's barely OK in the video, but I'd say it's about to wear through completely, the result being a HOLE in that metal piece. That hole just happens to be sized large enough such that the button fits entirely into it, WITHOUT A CHANCE OF BEING DEPRESSED. Prior to the mechanic telling me about this missing button, I was dumfounded. Everything looked perfect. In the dim light, I saw the switch's shaft disappear when the brake pedal was released. I assumed it had been depressed, just like it's supposed to be. Unless you can see there's an empty hole where that rubber button used to be, when the switch's shaft falls into it, you mistake what you see for a closed switch. Wrong! Instead of sending me to Toyota to get the "official" replacement part, my mechanic gave me a small variety of body panel "buttons" to take home to try. A big one that looked to be the perfect size resisted insertion, no matter how hard I tried. Instead, I used a smaller one that just dropped in. I was concerned it might fall out just as easily as I inserted it, but (a) with the brake released, it's pinned in there by the switch's shaft and (b) with the brake pedal depressed, it has no tendency to "jump" out because of the orientation of the metal piece into which it's inserted. I am hopeful it will serve as a permanent fix. TIPS: 1. You may find yourself working upside down, on your back. To mitigate the pain, place a low step-stool adjacent to the rocker panel and sit your butt on it. 2. Insert of a replacement button is made easier if you widen the gap between the switch and what it presses on. To do so, turn on the engine. This will permit the brake pedal to be depressed further than with the engine off. Then, wedge a bar clamp between the pedal and the front of the driver's seat (obviously after configuring the clamp for spreading instead of clamping). Once the wedge is in place, you can turn the engine off and proceed with your work.

[@brianbannon3091]

That's a really good addendum to this video. Especially the step-stool tip. I almost broke my back just trying to look around and see where everything was! When I was a young man in the USAF I used to twist and crawl upside down in the cockpits of F4-E Phantoms looking for FOD (foreign objects & debris). It was easy 45 years ago.

[@yd6868]

Thank you so much, had exactly the same issue 🙏

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

you should do a video. What is the name of that official rubber button?

[@rachavya]

@@lydiaahubbell8545 Can't do a video because I (a) have no time and (b) am currently thousands of miles away from my Tacoma. Sorry, but I don't know the name of the rubber button. I suggest you search online for the appropriate Tacoma shop manual, which surely would have an exploded diagram with part names and numbers.

[@ralphgedeon9018]

Thank you sir for doing this video. I've watched a bunch of videos on this brake light switch issue and your video is the best and most comprehensive one I have found. Very informative and helpful for people of all automotive repair skills.

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@zacrey420]

Thank you so much for the video. Got my break light switch changed and working in under 30 mins. I have little to no experience doing these kinda of things thank you again have a blessed day

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@texasbeast239]

The brake lights just started staying on all night on my parents' 2001 Camry. So far your video gives the best explanation on how to fix this. Wish me luck when I go over there to help them out. And thank you, sir.

[@lee337ish]

The brake switch cushion or pad was missing on your situation when this cushion breaks it causes a gap in between the pedal and the switch enough for the switch to activate and cause the lights to stay on. a temporary fix is to back off the nut and screw the switch further in until the plunger is all the way in. this will turn off the lights when pedal is all the way up and work normally. when you replace the pad on the pedal, you will adjust the switch back to the normal spot.

[@josephk9182]

Thank for the information.

[@MultiRobjackson]

Thank you, for detailed explanation!

[@kblewis3331]

@@josephk9182 What year is the Corolla you were working on here?

[@kblewis3331]

@Lee Smeros Exactly the same issue I've had, twice now. We rigged a fix the first time. And now it's happening again, only intermittently. Hope to get it fixed this weekend.

[@josephk9182]

@@kblewis3331 It is 1997 Corolla CE.

[@thedbguy7805]

Hey Joseph--Great Video. it will be very helpful to me with my '98 Camry.......You have done us viewers a Big Favor with the very good Quality of this video. You will help a LOT of viewers with these types of cars. As for myself, I would like to return a favor to you. I want you to make More Car Repair Videos like this--if you wish....I am a teacher kind of person. I married a foreigner. I taught her English from scratch. She is very good--as you are. Your accent is there, but you are very understandable. A lot of Car Repair Video Makers, WHO SPEAK GREAT ENGLISH--DON'T make videos as good yours. You have Very Good Videography and you are a Very Good Demonstrator and Explainer. That is why you need to make more videos--Because you are GOOD....Now, that being said, let me help you with a few word confusions that you have in this video. I only saw three problems that may need corrections in the future. There were only three. These are NOT Criticisms. They are just "small polishes of your English," to help future viewers to understand you. I hope that you won't be offended....So here goes... #1) In the on-screen printing, you used the word "padle." Almost everyone can understand what you are trying to say and show. The word is "P E D A L." A Brake Pedal is what you press to stop a car. Your spelling of your word "Padle" is similar to an English word, "Paddle," which a long flat stick-like thing that you use to row a canoe. #2) You used a "Voltmeter" or "Ohm Meter" in your video. It was a combination device. It is actually a "Volt/Ohm Meter." You may or may not want to use this term in a future video. This is totally up to you. #3) The points on the end of the wires of the Volt/Ohm meter are called "Probes," not wires....That is it. I hope that this helps. In the future, maybe one day you can help me polish MY speaking and writing of YOUR Language. (Not sure what it is. I think that it's Russian.)....Any way, I wish you well with your Life, Your Family, and All of Your Future Videos. Take Care.

[@josephk9182]

Thank You

[@lybcolybco8858]

I fixed mine with the help of your video.Thank you very much.

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@sphinxgr]

Thanks my friend! I fixed my brake light that was always on, in my corolla ae101 1992, with directions from your video :)

[@josephk9182]

Thank you

[@inkspot777]

Thanks for the video. Since you showed all the troubleshooting method, I was able to skip all the steps and go directly to moving the switch in further. I was able to do so without taking off dash panels; just unplug the wire connector, unlock the 14mm nut, screw in the switch and check for function. Put everything back in reverse and done in about 10 minutes. It helps to have someone looking at the brake lamp when checking.

[@josephk9182]

Very good.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Good job. I am having problems with my 99 toyota Sienna not wanting to start unless I move the shifter in and out of park. I cannot see the shift lever or a switch for it. Duh. Thanks. 😍

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@mcleb84]

Thanks Joseph. It turns out I had the issue you demonstrated how to fix. I found this out by pulling on the break pedal and noticed the lights turned off. It is such a small amount of distance to close it to fix but it needed to be done. Well, atleast I know what is wrong. It took almost 20 years to rattle the nut loose I guess. After I reset it I am going to put a bit of semi'permanent threadlock on it. Probably need to get new shocks which may have contributed to the problem in the first place. Thanks again.

[@josephk9182]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@mcleb84]

@@josephk9182 Yes sir! Just finished a while ago and all is well. I love learning new things and you saved the day for me. Your video answered lots of questions we all might have been asking while watching. Need more detailed fix it videos like this on KZbin. Thanks man.

[@davepeeters6518]

Nice video, my brake lights on a 2001 Tacoma work fine but I am getting a P1520 code - any thoughts on the cause?

[@josephk9182]

This has to do with Stop Light Switch Signal Malfunction. It may be loos connection to the ECM or Faulty ECM (Engine Control Module )

[@davepeeters6518]

Thanks I will check the connection. I cleared the code and hope it does not come back.@@josephk9182

[@erickfrench2768]

I have a 1998 . I am have the same problem. I hooe to fix it this weekend. Thank you for the video

[@ALTheRealSlayer]

Hey man thank you for the video. I appreciate it! Your efforts helped me fix my 95 dx wagon corolla.

[@josephk9182]

You welcome

[@briancrites3283]

Thanks, your video just helped me with this problem. Tested switch it was good screwed the switch in a little further down and brake lights now work properly.

[@josephk9182]

Very good.

[@jimoldebeken6839]

Mr Joseph, thank you for this important and very well done video. Today you are my hero!

[@marcellohenrique4537]

Thank you man this saved me! Such a easy fix also, who woulda though

[@josephk9182]

Any time

[@mikbronev1319]

Thanks for video. First time writing on here. I own an old Toyota Matrix 2004, basic model. There's an issue with the rear brake light on the right. Left side is fine. Tried to change the bulb. it's not that. Pushing break pedal only lights the left side. I also noticed that when the engine is off, and I turn the headlights to high beams, the lights in the back also light up - and both sides. - all the lamps! I know, this sounds like a mistery. Any advice would be aprreciated. Thx.

[@josephk9182]

You may have a disconnected wire to the right rear brake light.

[@isauceso]

Awesome work! Thank you for being so descriptive! My rear drum brakes were extremely worn so i think that’s why the switch was not being pressed completely

[@killernukem5914]

Thanks for the vid. It helped me alot on my 2000 Camry

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@brianwolle2509]

thanks and yes i got it fixed. taking that dash apart was a puzzle. i watched the video again and saw your dash had covers over the recessed portions... i didnt think i had them but i felt with my hands and that solved it. so thanks!

[@curiousgeorge7176]

This was very helpful thank you!

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@kerry1111111]

Worked very well! Thank you

[@josephk9182]

Thank you

[@brendonhall2845]

You may have just saved my life haha. Thanks mate!

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@carloswithac]

Thank you so much for this video! Just changed mine this morning, and your video helped tremendously!

[@josephk9182]

You welcome

[@Kimmo9526]

Good thorough video thank you

[@josephk9182]

Any time

[@moisesortiz6630]

Thank you very much...I love you! I am following this exactly. I have the same issue..could you tell me how to replace both battery terminals on the same car? I tried myself but its is very Mickey mouse..thank you so much

[@josephk9182]

Please look at the following video : How To Replace Car Battery Terminal - Step By Step - D.I.Y kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKvCmmqCjrSUipI

[@alanc6781]

I did it yesterday, thanks.

[@5borough6g]

Is this same for a 98 Corolla ?

[@josephk9182]

Yes.

[@efrainsantanajr.301]

Thank you for the information

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@retiredboxingref7620]

Thanks so much sir!

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@nicholaslothringer1210]

I didn’t have time to wait on amazon so I glued a juul pod on it, works like new

[@mattbenoit3181]

Thank you man!

[@tannerfarley5407]

This just happened on my 86 supra, found the remnants of a plastic nipple on my floor. Thanks for the help!!!

[@charlesbutler336]

how do I put the switch back with the cable connected to the switch it is not enough room

[@josephk9182]

if it easy for you please install the switch without cable and then connect the cable

[@bluewave7120]

Good video TY

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@borjborlagdan6318]

What happen on the 3rd brakelight?

[@josephk9182]

The light bulb shoud be replaced.

[@cooliebaii4493]

What happen is the switch is still good but the little piece or washer that is used to stop the switch button from being depressed it broke is a tan plastic washer that covers the hole when that breaks the switch button is going thru the hole take a ziptie and put it in the hole and tie securely once the hole is covered the button will stop going in the hole then your tail light will come off Yu just have to cover the hole that little button the guy is pressing in the video that little button is not suppose to go right thru the hole use the zip tie to cover the little hole

[@josephk9182]

Thank for the info.

[@MultiRobjackson]

Good reply, thank you!

[@Ronin-sh7pg]

Thx brother very helpful

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@colincrisp1592]

cheers great imfo

[@josephk9182]

Thank You

[@XavierGM503]

Awesome video sir!

[@josephk9182]

Thank You

[@josephdudeck5556]

Ty Joseph

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@occipitalneuralgia2339]

This fuse box is not found in this place on a 1994 Camry Sedan. The brake pedal switch is i an impossible difficult spot to reach also. I was so happy to find this video and it makes sense, but this frustrates me.

[@josephk9182]

It is difficult spot to reach also in Toyota Corolla.

[@MissTrixy29]

This was really helpful!!! Thank you!

[@josephk9182]

Thank You

[@palmtree5544]

I think there is a speck on how far the brake pedal travels before the light comes on. You probably screwed the switch in too far and the light will not come on soon enough.

[@gixxercon3972]

Awesome job

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

just did mine. My lights were not turning ON

[@josephk9182]

Great

[@luisestrada6621]

Thanks so much.

[@samackles2355]

Thanks it helped alot

[@josephk9182]

Thank You

[@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.

[@josephk9182]

Thank you for the info.

[@eliavperetz3795]

אתה ישראלי?

[@jessesanden1279]

Good luck putting all that back together a real mr.fix it would have just reached his Ranch up in there and taking it off instead of taking the whole dash of Art I changed mine on my Corolla took 5 minutes. The trick is to have the brake pedal at standing position and screw in the switch until it makes contact enough not to smash the button all the way down or you will have another switch failure over time it wears out the button fast

[@xidegel4494]

Toda Raba

[@josephk9182]

Any time

[@josuetorres787]

Why isn't the brake brake light on the rear mirror not turning on when brake is pressed? Thats what's going on with my 91 tercel.

[@josephk9182]

The light bulb should be replaced

[@josuetorres787]

Thank you so much!! You help me fix my 2 yr problem. Thank you, sir! It was the brake switch thing.

[@RJSoftware2000]

just a depth adjustment.

[@josephk9182]

Yes if the brake switch is O.K .

[@spawnkill8293]

Wheres the stopper

[@THESocialJusticeWarrior]

NO, IT'S THE BRAKE PEDAL STOP PAD

[@lydiaahubbell8545]

you did not show removing the brake light switch

[@josephk9182]

It was not needed.

[@4xsimsim]

Thanks Nissim. Good Video. But for the next time don't use that cheap tool. it's don't looks so good. use a professional wrench

[@williammallett9914]

U sound like Arnold Schwarzenegger

[@josephk9182]

My close relative.

[@arjunkansara5870]

Come I show you

[@AlCatrraz]

TODA RABA !!

[@DougHinVA]

here again, his accent makes it impossible to understand what he is trying to explain.... skip it

[@720nonstop2]

Speak wayyyyyy too slow

[@caredenttbg4310]

Put on 1.5×

[@isauceso]

Awesome work! Thank you for being so descriptive! My rear drum brakes were extremely worn so i think that’s why the switch was not being completely

[@josephk9182]

Any time.

[@MV-bj1yk]

Thank you sir.

[@josephk9182]

Thank You