Can a brake light switch cause brakes to lock up?
You may have the switch adjusted too tight and it is holding the the brake pedal partly down. This will cause the brake master cylinder to not release the brakes when you let off the pedal. Readjust the switch away from the pedal until you feel some free play again in the pedal. This should fix the problem.
What does a brake light switch do?
The brake light switch on your vehicle serves an important safety function. When you press the brake pedal, it supplies power to the signal lights at the back of your vehicle to warn other drivers you have slowed.
How do you adjust a brake light switch?
How to Adjust a Brake Light Switch
- Locate the brake light switch. You’ll find it under the dashboard, near the top of the brake pedal.
- Push the button to adjust the on/off switch. Apply a good amount of pressure and the switch will either turn on or off.
- Determine if the button needs to be pushed in or out.
Why is my brake light not working on my Toyota Corolla?
Problems exist with this bracket in many Toyota vehicles. A rubber plug in the bracket prevents wear on the switch button. Unfortunately, the plug often falls out. When this happens, the brake light switch button is not depressed properly when the pedal is released, keeping the brake light on.
Can a car with a faulty brake light switch be driven?
First, it turns on the brake lights when a driver presses the brake pedal. Second, it sends the signal to the vehicle computer that brakes are applied. A car with a faulty brake light switch is UNSAFE to drive. In most cars, the brake light switch is installed right above the brake pedal. Inside, it has a one- or two-way electric switch.
Why does my brake light keep coming on?
This can cause the Check Engine or ABS system warning light to come on on the dash. In some cases, brake lights may stay on all the time, or come on randomly, without pressing the brake pedal. A brake light switch can be tested with a multimeter without removing it from a vehicle.
Where is the brake warning light on my car?
In most vehicles this switch is located in the master cylinder. You’ll see a harness plug in somewhere around there. Some vehicles will now activate the brake warning light on the dash if the actual brake lights behind it go bad. Check to see that both of them are lighting up.