Brake Lamp Switch: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Brake Lamp Switch

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE

2 - BRAKE LAMP SWITCH

3 - PLUNGER

4 - COLLAR

5 - LEVER

The brake lamp switch is a three circuit, spring-loaded plunger actuated switch that is secured to the steering column support bracket under the instrument panel on the driver side of the vehicle. See Fig 1. The molded plastic switch housing has an integral connector receptacle containing six terminal pins and featuring a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) lock. The switch is connected to the vehicle electrical system through a dedicated take out of the instrument panel wire harness.

The switch plunger extends through a mounting collar on one end of the switch housing. The plunger has a one time telescoping self-adjustment feature that is activated after the switch is installed by moving an adjustment release lever on the opposite end of the switch housing clockwise, until it locks into a position that is parallel to the connector receptacle.

An installed brake lamp switch cannot be readjusted or repaired. If the switch is damaged, faulty, or removed from its mounting position for any reason, it must be replaced with a new unit.