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Brake lights won't turn off

Tiny
CCLEFTY61
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM
  • 80,000 MILES
I have a 1998 chevrolet prizm 80000 miles. The brake lights won't turn off. I tried to pull the shaft of the brake light switch to see if that would turn the lights off but it didn't work. Any other ideas? Thanks. Chris
Monday, July 25th, 2011 AT 12:50 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Most likely switch try removing wires see if lights go off. If yes replace switch
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Monday, July 25th, 2011 AT 1:07 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
What happens more often then a bad switch is the rubber pad that the switch lands against will fall off and a new switch won't help that. They sell replacement pads at the dealer or I've been known to use a plastic push pin or glue a penny on to the bracket.
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Monday, July 25th, 2011 AT 1:54 PM
Tiny
CCLEFTY61
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
Wrenchtech that is exactly what happened so I was able to put a screw and nut in the hole and all is right with the world. Thanks for all your help. Chris
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Monday, July 25th, 2011 AT 3:20 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
With the thickness of the screw and nut, it may put the switch way out of adjustment so check that.
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Monday, July 25th, 2011 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
MIKE RIFE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM
  • 1.9L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
Out of the blue my brake or tail light and front parking lights will not go off with the car on or off. I am having to remove negative battery terminal each time so the battery does not drain.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,861 POSTS
Hello,

There is a tail light relay that can be stuck on, remove the relay to see if the lights go out, here is a wiring diagram and a guide so you can check it out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GLORYGOLD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET PRIZM
  • 60,000 MILES
Brake lights won't turn off - made sure emergency brake was off, tried turning car on and off, had to disconnect battery. Heard it might be the brake switch - where is that located in my car?
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,164 POSTS
It sounds like a brake switch problem. It is located at the top of the brake pedal. Check to make sure it hasn't come loose and is still in its proper position. As far as replcement, a clip holds it on and there are a couple wires with a plug at the end that you will need to remove.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Let me add this. Before you go replacing the brake light switch, be sure to check and see if the rubber button that the switch rests against hasn't fallen off. That is very common. You can get a new one at the dealer but I have replaced them with plastic "push in" retainers.
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Wednesday, September 25th, 2019 AT 3:32 PM (Merged)

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