2002 Suburban Brake Lights Stay On

Tiny
SANDFLEA1957
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
My 2002 Suburban check engine light came on. I plugged in my Autel scanner, and read a P0440 code. Turns out my daughter didn't tighten the gas cap last time she filled it with fuel. After tightening the cap and clearing the code, the brake lights have come on, and stay on, whether the key is in the ignition or not. I tried disconnecting the battery. As soon as I reconnnect it, the brake lights come back on. For the time being, I've pulled the 20A fuse for the brake lights, but that's certainly not a long term solution. Actually, it's not even a short term solution, since I can't drive without brake lights. Thanks in advance for your help.
Saturday, February 26th, 2011 AT 4:56 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello â€

To better assist you is your model the C1500 or the C2500, the K1500 or the K2500?
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Saturday, February 26th, 2011 AT 5:11 AM
Tiny
SANDFLEA1957
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It's a Z71 K1500. After leaving the fuse out all night, I re-installed it this morning, and the brake lights didn't come on. I pressed and released the brake pedal to test it (no key in the ignition) and the brake lights came back on, and stayed on after releasing the pedal. I've had to remove the fuse again.
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Saturday, February 26th, 2011 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello â€

Thanks for the info. I would be interested to know if your cruise control works at all. So please let me know that when you can.

My first thought it is your stop lamp switch. It is number 3 on the pick. It is located up on the top of the brake pedal bracket. You might try hitting the brake, see if it stays on. Then put your foot under the brake pedal and lift up. See if it goes out.

The switch may be defective. This is my suggestion to replace it.
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Saturday, February 26th, 2011 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
SANDFLEA1957
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Good call on the cruise control. It is now inoperative, but it worked the last time my wife used it, this past Wednesday.

When I lift up on the brake pedal, it stays lit. When I disconnect the battery for several hours, and then reconnect it, the brake light stays off until I hit the brake pedal again. Then, it stays on until I pull the fuse.

I'll replace the stop lamp switch today, and let you know the results. Thanks
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Saturday, February 26th, 2011 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
SANDFLEA1957
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I picked up the stop lamp switch, and for fun, plugged the fuse back in. The brake lights came on. I left the fuse in place, and started to pull the retainer clip holding the switch in place. Before I could get the clip off, the brake lights went off. I pressed the brake pedal several times, started the engine twice and pumped the brakes, and when the pedal was released, the brake lights still stayed off. I'll hold off on replacing the switch for now, but will watch it closely. I'm still confused as to why simply clearing a code would affect the brake light switch. Still, it works fine now, and I thank you for your help.
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Sunday, February 27th, 2011 AT 12:25 AM
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello â€

Thanks for the information. I really don’t feel clearing the codes had anything to do with the brake switch, just a coincidence. It’s a switch, it is acting intermittent, it happens.

My suggestion is to go ahead and change the switch to be safe. It may be staying on even when you drive, thus causing confusion with the drivers behind you. Also, will cause your tail lights to burn out sooner and since it runs through your cruise control, may stop working when you want it and then you are stuck driving around also with your brake lights lit up. Just my 2 cents.

Thanks again for letting us know....... You and your family have a great weekend
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Sunday, February 27th, 2011 AT 5:18 AM
Tiny
SANDFLEA1957
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I haven't swapped out the switch yet, but the cruise control is working once again, and the brake lights are staying off. I will replace the switch as you suggest, as soon as this latest winter storm moves out. Much obliged again for all the help.
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Sunday, February 27th, 2011 AT 9:10 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
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Hello â€

Yes, as long as the switch is working your cruise will also work. Good idea on changing the switch..... Stay warm †hopefully the storm will pass quick!

You and your family have a great week and call on us anytime!
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Sunday, February 27th, 2011 AT 11:41 PM
Tiny
MONIEXIONG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi, I got a 2002 suburban and sometime in the middle of the nite the brake lite come on. I took it to a chevy dealer but they can't find what the problem is cause the lite is not on. Is any one out there have the same issue with their 2000-2004. Suburban? Please leave me a solution I would apreciate it alot thanks.
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Saturday, September 22nd, 2012 AT 10:18 PM

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