The brake lights only turn on when the brake pedal is depressed all the way?

Tiny
RAYWAI
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 153,000 MILES
Had a wiring issue with my Brake Light switch. I was able to fix the wiring issue with this part:

https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/stoplight-switch/p/duralast-stoplight-switch-674/890707_0_0

In the process of installing that connector and splicing into the harness, I removed the brake switch just to give it an inspection. Brake switch:

https://www.autozone.com/electrical-and-lighting/stoplight-switch/p/duralast-stoplight-switch-f4846/190042_0_0

The switch looked good and not at all corroded, and it also passed continuity with my multimeter when manually depressed. After reinstalled, the brake lights only turn on when the brake pedal is depressed all the way, and I suspect I might’ve not put all the parts back together correctly.

I know exactly where the problem is and exactly which components, but I could really use an exploded view/replacement instructions for the brake switch just to verify my installation is correct. There’s a black plastic piece that slides into the brake actuator that goes through the firewall, and a flat off-white plastic washer that goes on the outside. Want to verify these pieces are installed correctly. As well as if there is any way to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor to activate when the brake petal is depressed at all, as I know sensitivity adjustment exists on some other brake switches.

Lmk if you can provide any exploded views/diagrams/replacement instructions. Thank you so much!
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 10:47 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Sure, it does sound like the brake light switch is defective but here are the instructions you have requested. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 AT 11:53 AM
Tiny
RAYWAI
  • MEMBER
  • 15 POSTS
Turns out I just reinstalled that flanged nylon washer backwards the first time. Got it flipped around and all is working again. Thank you again so much for the diagram!
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Thursday, October 5th, 2023 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Friday, October 6th, 2023 AT 9:41 AM

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