

So as you can see, sometimes fixing brakes - or rather, fixing brake light wiring - doesn't have to be as complicated as it initially sounds. It won't do you any good to buy a new brake light switch if the problem is in the wiring leading up to the switch, in the connector itself or in the wiring that goes from the switch to the brake lights at the rear of the vehicle. It may seem elementary, but remember that it's important to properly diagnose the problem prior to buying any repair parts. Your local auto parts store should be able to locate the correct part for you. You'll need to know the make, model and year of your vehicle. Remember, there are several different types of brake switches available, including hydraulic brake switches, so be sure to get the one that's right for your specific vehicle. In fact, it's likely that you won't even have to get your hands dirty to complete a brake repair of this sort. If you're able to determine that it is indeed your brake light switch that's at fault, replacement is simple. Unless there's been a failure somewhere within the switch itself - a highly unlikely problem, by the way - it's relatively simple to decide if the switch is at fault. Then check to make sure that the switch isn't out of position or stuck in the on or off position. Once you've located the switch, check to make sure that the brake light switch's electrical connection is firmly attached and that all of the wires connecting to the brake light switch are in good condition (at least as far as you can see from your position). The brake light switch is usually attached to a small bracket that holds the switch, activated when the pedal is depressed, in position. You can see your brake light switch by looking under the dash, near the top of the brake pedal.

Actually, it may be an easier fix than you think, just by investigating your brake light switch.
COLOR CHEVY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WIRING DRIVERS
Either way, it's dangerous to you and other drivers around you.īefore you get too anxious about the brake work that you may or may not need, you may want to investigate the problem yourself. So you can see the problem: If you don't regularly check your brake lights for proper operation, you may be driving around town with no brake lights at all brake lights that are continuously on or brake lights that work only part of the time.
COLOR CHEVY BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WIRING HOW TO
Or perhaps, some switch malfunction is causing the lights to operate intermittently. 0:00 / 11:15 How to Wire TWO Types of Brake Light Switches - (Hydraulic and Plunger Style) WiringRescue Ratty Muscle Car 51. Your brake lights may not light up when you press on the brake pedal or they may stay lit regardless of whether you're pressing the pedal or not. If your brake light switch isn't working properly, there's a chance that you could be driving under risky conditions. the basic princeples will apply, not the details.ĭaniel, I am not sure why this is in the 521 section, as I believe that he is talking about his 720, I could be wrong though, but I see no 521 in his list of vehicles.Burazin/Photographer's Choice RR/Getty Images This was originally posted in the 521 section, and then moved here. Check for power on both sides of the fuse, with the brake lights on. Do not assume a fuse that looks good, is good. If you suspect a bad switch, jumping the two wires at the switch should make the lights come on.īefore you tear in to everything, check the fuses. The wires on the brake light switch are green, witha yellow stripe. The second diagram does not show the brake lights. Here is a partial wiring diagram, just lights. You can usually fix a bad taillight ground by running a wire directly from the taillight frame, to the chassis frame of the truck. The taillight harness is grounded to the metal taillight frame, and that is grounded to the bed, and the bed in turn is grounded to the frame, and the frame should be grounded to the battery minus. It is common for the brake lights to lose ground. On the brake pedal, in the cab, or on a pressure switch, in the engine compartment, where the junction block is for the front, and rear brake lines. There are two locations for the brake light switch.

The wire at the beake light switch that does not have power all the time, goes to the brake lights. The brake switch light gets power from the fuse box, all the time. There is no interaction between brake lights, turn signals, or any other lights. Datsun 521 trucks have one of the simplest brake light circuits on any vehicle.
