Brake switch fails

GRUMPYONE

MEMBER
1992 TOYOTA COROLLA
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
240,000 MILES

I have replaced three brake light switches which I think is caused by the inoperative aftermarket cruise control. When it was installed, they left the two pole brake light switch in place rather than using a four pole brake light switch that came with factory installed cruise control options.

The switch just failed again and of course this also disables the safety shifter interlock as well as the brake lights.

I don't even want to think about sorting this out but perhaps removing the carcass of the cruise control components might be a start.

What do you think?

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Hi,

Just so I understand the aftermarket cruise control system replaced the brake light switch to the one that you are currently using?

Without knowing or seeing the system it is hard to tell you the best course of action because it does vary. Some of them are not terrible to just remove but others make a rats nest out of the wiring harnesses and are not fun to remove.

Is there anyway to go back to the original brake switch? If removing it is not terrible then I would go that way.

Let me know what assistance you need with that and I will help out. Thanks

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 6:17 PM

GRUMPYONE

MEMBER
8 POSTS

I've already replaced three brake light switches. Clearly there is something causing an intermittent short and the only obvious suspect is the non factory installation of a cruise control unit and yes, finding the single wire where they tapped into the brake light circuit could be an endless pursuit.

I figure if I simply rip out the cruise control it will eliminate the issue or perhaps rewire the brake light wiring to eliminate whatever evil a predecessor did to the car.

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Wednesday, March 17th, 2021 AT 6:17 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Okay. We are on the same page because I think I would just run new wires. I would cut them a couple inches from each connector and just run a new wires. If it were me, I wouldn't waste the time in trying to remove the rats nest. I would just bypass it and leave it there. You are probably correct that it is shorted somewhere so eliminating those wires will also eliminate the short.

Let me know if you need more info.

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