2004 Toyota 4Runner Brake Light Switch

APOCONNOR

MEMBER
2004 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
60,000 MILES

Can't get the car to shift from Park to Reverse. The owners manual says this means the break light switch needs to be replaced. Is that the kind of repair I can do myself? I've never had this happen on any other car. I've replaced alternators, thermostats, brake pads and such(on other vehicles). But I don't know where that brake light switch is. I'm hoping it's an easy repair.

3 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

It is a very easy repair, but first make sure it's even at fault. Check the brake lights to see if they come on when brake pedal is pushed down. If they come on then brake switch is fine. If not the switch needs replaced. It is located just above the brake pedal itself. Just disconnect battery, disconnect switch connector then unbolt from mounting location.

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Monday, July 19th, 2010 AT 9:22 PM

APOCONNOR

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks bluelightnin6 for the reply. I ordered a new switch and it was an easy intall. Now the car shifts out of park just fine(with out having to acuate the manual switch on the shifter column).

But, the lower stop lights are still not coming on when we test the brake pedal. I checked the fuses and they are fine. I am actually not sure which bulb to check for stop lights. I can't tell if there is a seperate bulb or if it's just the main tail light bulb. Tail lights, indicators and reverse lights are working fine. Also the top stop light works but that one worked before replacing the switch.

Any other ideas on what I might be missing? Almost as if something needs to be re-set.
Thanks! Allan

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Monday, August 2nd, 2010 AT 12:32 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

Should be 3 bulbs in each tailight assembly, one reverse, one signal and one for tailight and brake light so they are dual filament, meaning the tailight can work but brake light not work.

Make sure the bulbs are indeed good, also check that the plunger on the new brake switch is touching when it should be. It may just need adjusted.

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Monday, August 2nd, 2010 AT 6:08 PM