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Brake light switch problem

Tiny
FRANKIEDONNN
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 KIA PICANTO
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 122,602 MILES
Hi Roy,

The brake light switch on my vehicle listed above has been replaced twice already but still fails again and again. There is a recall on these switches but I don't think it is going to do me any good here in Barbados. It operates fine for a week or two and then it won't turn on anymore. I replaced the little rubber tab on the brake pedal because it was damaged. The problem seems to be the plunger. What do you think? Frank
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Friday, August 20th, 2021 AT 6:19 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

I will reach out to Roy and ask him to respond but I suspect you are getting an issue with poor parts quality.

Are you using Kia parts or some aftermarket part that you can find?

We don't have a manual on this vehicle but if the plunger is locking up or otherwise failing then that doesn't sound like it is being caused by something else. If the switch was shorting out or failing electrically then we could suspect a wiring issue or even over voltage but the plunger is just a mechanical connection point when you press the pedal.

So when it is failing are you able to check the sensor for continuity when you press the plunger in?

Basically connect your meter to each of the terminals of the sensor and then press the sensor in as if you are pressing the pedal. You should have continuity.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

If not then the sensor has failed. Unfortunately I would try and switch to a different brand and see if you have better luck. I attached the OEM part number below for a Kia Rio as that is the sister vehicle to yours. From what I can tell this part should work but clearly something you would want to cross reference over there. If it does then it will give you a different option.

However, I would just suggest finding a different brand.

Thanks
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Friday, August 20th, 2021 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
FRANKIEDONNN
  • MEMBER
  • 60 POSTS
Thanks for your response Kenny. Yes, when the problem first started I opened the switch and I found that the contacts are not closing when the plunger moves away, because the metal is not springy enough, so I installed a little spring behind it, but obviously that only worked for a little while too. I will certainly try to get the Rio switch, and I thank you for the suggestion. By the way, I think the switches that we are getting are Kia parts from our Kia dealer here but I notice online that other people are having the same problem and there is a recall on that problem. Thank you, Frank
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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 3:21 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Thanks to Kenny for helping while I was traveling.

The OEM switches are a much higher quality than the aftermarkets. I or we always recommend using OEM.

If there was a recall, the dealer should do it for free. If it was a TSB then it is a common problem.

Roy
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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 6:39 AM
Tiny
FRANKIEDONNN
  • MEMBER
  • 60 POSTS
Hi Roy. The switches that we are using are Kia/Hyundai OE, at least they are stamped Kia/Hyundai. We have to check with the dealer to see if they honor recalls, but here in Barbados, things are a little different. I'll try to get the Rio switch that Kenny suggested. Thanks for your help. Frank
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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 8:45 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome Frank.

We are always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, August 21st, 2021 AT 9:04 AM

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