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!

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
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.

[AAuto]

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[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!

[bobomomo]

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

[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??

[davewoodmancy]

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.

[annamarieambrouso]

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!
😻😸😻

[martinsloan]

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

[d-s-ll]

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

[PammySue]

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

[keithhenriquez]

As always your video is very informative. Thank you 😊

[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?

[yy]

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!

[anthonyhill]

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

[MrScottee]

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

[kamalabbady]

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

[chrisgeist]

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.

[ntfury]

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

[adeumi]

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.