The brake lights are crucial for driver safety. If your brake lights won’t turn off or on, there is usually a problem with the brake light switch. There are a couple of different parts to inspect, and this article will explain what to generally look for and how to fix it yourself, which may be easy depending on the vehicle and what’s causing the brake lights to not turn off.
Diagnose Brake Lights
If the brake lights won’t turn off or on, there could be electrical issues with the relays, bulbs, or fuses.
There could also be an issue with the brake light switch such as
- Misadjusted brake light switch from a misadjusted bolt
- Broken brake light switch
- Broken or missing brake light switch stopper
How to Fix if Your Brake Lights Won’t Turn Off or On
1. Check the Fuses, Relays and Bulbs
If the brake lights won’t turn on, confirm the bulbs are not burnt out or a relay hasn’t blown. Check the electrical connectors to the bulb socket for corrosion or discoloring on the terminals. Inspect the wires for tearing, splitting, or melting and replace the electrical connector if needed.
2. Check the Brake Light Switch
How to Inspect the Brake Light Switch
- Locate the Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch is generally located underneath the driver side dash along the brake pedal assembly. On older vehicles, the brake pedal switch activates the brake lights. On newer vehicles, it can also be involved in push-button start and shift-interlock operation.
- Check the Brake Light Switch for Misadjustment
If the brake light switch has an adjustment bolt, see if it needs to be adjusted to get the rear lights working
- Test the Brake Light Switch for Functionality
Test the switch by pressing the button on the switch. If the lights turn off when the switch is pressed, there may be a missing stopper or misadjustment and no actual problem with the switch. If the brake light switch is slow to move or stuck, replace it.
- Inspect the Brake Light Switch Stopper
Some brake light switches have a stopper on the brake pedal that releases the brake light switch when the brake pedal is pressed, turning the lights on. If the stopper is broken or missing, the switch will be activated, leaving the braking lights on. Check the floor or the surrounding area for the stopper, and replace it if needed. The stopper can sometimes be replaced with similar items like a coin.
Replace Your Own Brake Light Switch
Find how-to videos for your make and model in 1A Auto’s video library and replace the brake light switch and other parts yourself.
Shop Parts at 1aauto.com
Related Content
Brake lights and turn signals are vital components in driver safety. If either of these components breaks down the results can be devastating for you, your passengers, and everyone driving around you. If your brake lights or turn signals stop working please fix them immediately
- Why Are My Brake Lights Staying On?
- How to Tell if a Relay is Bad in a Car, Truck, or SUV
- Why Won’t My Tail Lights Turn Off?
- Are Tail Lights and Brake Lights the Same Bulb?
- Are Your Car or Truck Brake Lights Not Working?
