K
Brake help
ridinglow85
+1y
when i press the brake pedal my brake lights don't turn on. They only turn on when i press the pedal diagonal towards the left front tire, even then i have to push it really hard. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
someotherguy
+1y
Probably brake switch is hosed but it would help if you tell us what year/model/etc.
Richard
Richard
ridinglow85
+1y
Its a 98 GMC 3500. 5.7ltr
someotherguy
+1y
Yeah most likely the switch, or if it's ever been removed before like to replace the brake booster, might not be reinstalled correctly.
The switch goes over the stud on the brake pedal, then swings around and hooks onto the brake pushrod. There's a round metal clip that holds the switch onto the stud and it usually gets mangled all to hell when people remove them, because there's a trick to getting it off without destroying it.
First check that the clip isn't messed up, and that the switch is properly hooked over the pushrod. If it's all in place then the switch is probably bad.
Trick for removing the clip: look at the part that goes around the stud and you'll see two small half-circle holes on either side of a split in the clip. If you can't see it, spin it around until you find the split. Use a small pair of snap ring pliers in that hole to spread the clip just enough so you can slide it off the stud. It's real easy this way. Otherwise you'll fight it until it's destroyed, and the only place you can get the clip is the dealer. (It only costs $2 but it sucks to have to go all the way over there for just a clip.)
The switch is real cheap too, just try to get a good one instead of ching-chang brand. Try NAPA and don't get the Mileage Plus brand for $7, spring for the whole $12 and get the Echlin brand.
Richard
The switch goes over the stud on the brake pedal, then swings around and hooks onto the brake pushrod. There's a round metal clip that holds the switch onto the stud and it usually gets mangled all to hell when people remove them, because there's a trick to getting it off without destroying it.
First check that the clip isn't messed up, and that the switch is properly hooked over the pushrod. If it's all in place then the switch is probably bad.
Trick for removing the clip: look at the part that goes around the stud and you'll see two small half-circle holes on either side of a split in the clip. If you can't see it, spin it around until you find the split. Use a small pair of snap ring pliers in that hole to spread the clip just enough so you can slide it off the stud. It's real easy this way. Otherwise you'll fight it until it's destroyed, and the only place you can get the clip is the dealer. (It only costs $2 but it sucks to have to go all the way over there for just a clip.)
The switch is real cheap too, just try to get a good one instead of ching-chang brand. Try NAPA and don't get the Mileage Plus brand for $7, spring for the whole $12 and get the Echlin brand.
Richard
ridinglow85
+1y
I tried to get out underneath the dash but i can't even see it. Do I need to take out the dash to get to it.
someotherguy
+1y
No...taking the dash out would be a huge waste of effort and time, because it is not in the way.
While you're up under the dash, mash the pedal with your hand and look for the moving parts. It's a cramped-ass small spot to work in but it's not an impossible job.
Richard
While you're up under the dash, mash the pedal with your hand and look for the moving parts. It's a cramped-ass small spot to work in but it's not an impossible job.
Richard
ridinglow85
+1y
I finally got it on. That was the problem. Thanks for the help.
someotherguy
+1y
No sweat...I've had to replace several of these and the one on my '98 is going out now, too. At least they seem to last around 100K or so before they start crapping out. This design of switch started in '94.
Richard
Richard