Brake lights

Tiny
MARK THOMPSON2
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 PONTIAC MONTANA
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Is there a simple test to determine what the issue is with brake lights? Tail lights illuminate when headlights are on but "no brake lights". I have been told it may cost as much as $600.00 depending on what is wrong. Is that legitimate? How do I determine if a car repair shop is honest with customers? Just moved to new location and do not know anyone.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2017 AT 9:40 PM

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Tiny
JOHNNY G.JR
  • MECHANIC
  • 320 POSTS
Have the brake light switch checked on pedal first.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 AT 12:03 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 12,869 POSTS
First check the 15 amp stop lamp fuse in the fuse block. Next, if none of the light are lighting at all, it is probably the brake lamp switch as Johnny said.

The switch is not hard to replace. It is literally a fifteen minute or less repair. You need to remove the panel up under the dash on the drivers side. Then you reach up and remove the switch. It is the top switch. It simply pulls out of the bracket after squeezing in the two tabs in red, then remove the two wire connections (green).

To install the new one you need to connect the two connectors, then push the brake pedal down. Next clip the switch back into the bracket. Now let the pedal back up and pull it lightly against the switch. Like the second picture. This will push the switch up in the white clip and adjust it. Now let go of the pedal and make sure it stays against the plungers. I am going to assume the pedal linkage has some wear so you may need to click it in a step to make sure the switch is adjusted. What you want to see when there is no pressure on the pedal that both plungers are in. Not like the last picture where one or both are out.

Depending on the parts store you get the switch from, you should be able to get the switch for around $10.00-$15.00 at the most.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2017 AT 5:57 AM

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