Brake light switch

Tiny
MMSUPFDF
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 FORD EXPEDITION
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
When pedal is depressed brake lights do not come on, but if you lift up or put a small piece of cardboard under the brake light switch they com on when pedal is depressed. Is this an idication of a faulty switch?
Thursday, February 11th, 2016 AT 2:35 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,005 POSTS
I HAVE TWO POSSIBILITIES FOR YOU

1) THE SWITCH HAS BEEN PUSHED REARWARD IN IT'S HOLDER

THIS LINK MIGHT EXPLAIN IT MORE (SEE MY ANSWERS)

www.2carpros. Com/questions/1979-ford-f-100-brake-light-switch

2) A PIECE OR PART, PROBABLY PLASTIC OR RUBBER HAS FALLEN OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL FLAT SPOT (NOW IT DON'T REACH-LIKE YOUR CARDBOARD DOES NOW)

THIS LINK IS A SIMILAR SITUATION, IT HAD A RUBBER DISC ON THE PEDAL PART

www.2carpros. Com/questions/1984-nissan-300zx-brake-and-light-problem

LEMME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND

THE MEDIC
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Thursday, February 11th, 2016 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
JOHNNYT73
  • MECHANIC
  • 924 POSTS
No, there is usually a grommet in the hole of the arm of the break pedal. Its where the switch contacts the arm. The grommet can fall/fail and need replacing. Im trying to understand what you are saying exactly of the position of the cardboard your using. If the grommet is there then you can sometime adjust the switch by adjusting the nuts on it to make better contact. Be careful not to adjust too much because it will keep your brake applied.
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Thursday, February 11th, 2016 AT 3:30 PM
Tiny
MMSUPFDF
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The cardboard is under the switch and lifts up the back of the switch slightly. If I lift it up too much the brake lights stay on
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Thursday, February 11th, 2016 AT 3:35 PM
Tiny
JOHNNYT73
  • MECHANIC
  • 924 POSTS
Check to see if it can be tightened. If it looks wore and pushed back then it may need replacing.
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Thursday, February 11th, 2016 AT 3:36 PM

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