Attached to the mechanism of the brake pedal is a little device called a brake light switch. In most vehicles, pressing the brake pedal causes these switches to turn on the brake light. This little switch, however, has a lot more power in contemporary automobiles. Most vehicles have it just above the pedal.
A one- or two-way electric switch is located within. Not turning on or staying on at all times is the most prevalent sign of a broken brake. How to find the brake light switch, what it does, and how much it costs to repair it are all covered in detail in the following instructions.
What Is A Brake Light Switch
A device known as the brake pedal switch turns on the brake lights every time the pedals are touched. These minor parts are rather crucial for contemporary vehicle safety systems. Here are a few of its functions:
- Putting the gear selector and start button into operation.
- Validating the effectiveness of the anti-lock braking system.
- Coordinates with the vehicle’s stability control systems to ensure traction.
Brake Light Switch Location
As seen from the driver’s seat, the hydraulic brake light switch is atop the chassis rail on the right-hand side.
You may reach it by stumbling beneath the Land Rover, specifically under the right front wheel. After finding the switch:
- Disconnect the two spade connectors.
- Use a few pieces of wire to short them out.
- Turn on the ignition.
After all, it was the hydraulic switch; the brake lights went on just like that!
Symptoms Of Malfunctioning Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch does not indicate that it is about to fail. Nevertheless, brake lights are seen to flicker and be unstable. Check out these signs if your brake switch isn’t working properly.
Lighting up the brakes
Pressing the brake pedals is the only way to activate the brake lights. When it’s not working correctly, it will either keep lighting up even when you brake or not. In all instances, fixing the brake lights is crucial since they pose a significant safety risk.
Ignition Problems
The only way for the keyless ignition devices to work is if the brake pedal is engaged. The vehicle’s computer receives signals from the brake pedal through the brake pedal switch. When the switch isn’t working correctly, the signals aren’t sent correctly, which leads to ignition problems. In many cases, pressing the engine start button does not cause the engine to crank.
ABS Warning Light
When there are a certain number of malfunctions, the dashboard warning light indicating an ABS defect will illuminate. A broken brake switch is one example of such a fractured part. If the brake switch is malfunctioning or not sending signals correctly, the ABS warning light will come on.
Malfunctioning Cruise Control
On most cars, you can find the switch for the brake lights, cruise control, and both. Thus, the cruise control turns off automatically if the brake light switch is damaged or not working correctly.
Why Does The Brake Switch Fail?
The dislodging of the brake switch is among the most prevalent causes of failure in this component. After the brake switch is moved, the pedal’s movement no longer affects it. It will seem like you’re always pressing the brake pedal since the brake pedal is not pressing the spring-operated brake switch.
To remedy this, insert the brake switch back into its original hole. Also, the brake switch connectors and link wires may not have worked right. Because they become loose, corroded, oxidized, lubricated, contaminated, ruptured, or short-circuited.
How to Change It?
You can find the brake switch on the pedal. Mounted on the underside, it makes contact with the brake pedal at the place where it links. Looking up at the brake pedal will reveal the brake sensor, which is located under the floor mat. You may use a screw to secure the brake switch, or you can clip it into the casing. Taking the old brake switch off of its mounting and removing its socket are the first steps in replacing it with a new one that meets all the necessary specifications.
Testing Of Brake Light Switches
Removing it from the car to test it using a multimeter is unnecessary. As part of the diagnostic process, you may need to press and release the brake pedal in certain vehicles to check the voltage at the connection for the brake light switch. According to specific automobile repair manuals, pressing and releasing the pedal is the best way to check the continuity of the switch. A blown fuse might cause a lack of electricity at the brake switch.
Brake Light Switch Replacement Cost
You may get the component from a dealer or buy it online for $15 to $45. You may expect to pay anything from $55 to $115 at a repair shop for the parts and labor to replace it.
Verdict
There is often a specific way to install or remove the brake light switch from a vehicle. The switch is both inoperable and potentially dangerous if not appropriately put. Another thing that needs adjusting is the distance between the brake pedal and the switch in certain vehicles.
