Brake Lamp Switch: Operation

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.

The brake lamp switch controls three independent circuits. These circuits are described as follows:

Brake Lamp Switch Circuit - A normally open brake lamp switch circuit receives a battery voltage input, and supplies this battery voltage to the brake lamps and the Controller Antilock Brake (CAB) on a brake lamp switch output circuit only when the brake pedal is depressed (brake lamp switch plunger released).
Brake Lamp Switch Signal Circuit - A normally closed brake lamp switch signal circuit receives a direct path to ground, and supplies this ground input to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) on a brake lamp switch sense circuit only when the brake pedal is released (brake lamp switch plunger is depressed).
Speed Control Circuit - A normally closed speed control circuit receives a battery voltage input from the Powertrain Control Module on a speed control supply circuit, and supplies this battery voltage to the speed control servo solenoids (dump, vacuum, and vent) on a speed control brake switch output circuit only when the speed control system is turned On and the brake pedal is released (brake lamp switch plunger is depressed).

The components of the self-adjusting brake switch plunger consist of a two-piece telescoping plunger, a split plunger locking collar, and a release wedge. The release lever has a shaft with a wedge that spreads the plunger locking collar to an open or released position. After the switch is installed and the brake pedal is released, the plunger telescopes to the correct adjustment position. When the release lever is moved to the release position, the wedge is disengaged from the locking collar causing the collar to apply a clamping pressure to the two plunger halves, fixing the plunger length.

The brake lamp switch can be diagnosed using conventional diagnostic tools and methods.