5 Symptoms of a Malfunctioning or Faulty Brake Light Switch

The electrical switch that activates the brake lights is known as the brake light switch. The brake light switch makes contact when the brake pedal is pushed, and the brake lights activate.

While brake switches come in a variety of shapes and sizes, they always perform the same purpose: to turn on the brake lights when the foot is pushed down on the brake pedal.

The brake lights and the button that triggers them are naturally vital to vehicle safety since they inform the drivers behind you that you are slowing down.

During a MOT testing service, they are inspected for this safety reason. When the brake pedal is pressed during the test, the brake lights should glow clearly.

When the brake light switch fails, the vehicle normally exhibits a number of symptoms that alert the driver to the issue.

1.      Brake lights that stay illuminated - This is one of the most frequent indications of a broken brake light switch. If a brake light switch internally fails, the brake lights may remain activated even when the brake pedal is not engaged. It is critical to conduct an internet search for car services near me and schedule an appointment for your vehicle to be examined and repaired by a qualified technician. The brake lights will burn out faster than they should, and the battery will be drained parasitically.

2.      Brake lights that don't work - Another sign of a faulty brake light switch is that the brake lights aren't working at all. The switch will not be able to activate the lights when the pedal is pressed, and the lights will not operate as a consequence. Look for car mechanics near me and book an appointment as soon as possible to have the faulty brake lights investigated and necessary repaired completed.

3.      Car won't start - Some vehicles have keyless ignition. All you have to do to start the engine in these automobiles is press down on the brake pedal. It's possible that your car won't start because the brake light switch isn't sending a signal to the car's computer indicating that the brakes are engaged. If this happens, contact a car repair agency or a technician right once to have your brake light switch replaced.

4.      ABS warning light turns on-   Whenever the ABS light on your dashboard illuminates, it means you have a problem with your anti-lock brake system. Low brake fluid, a broken ABS control module, or a faulty brake light switch might all cause your ABS warning light to turn on. When you apply the brakes, the brake light switch sensor signals the ABS module in your vehicle that it's time to start the ABS hydraulic pump. As a result, if your ABS warning light illuminates, it's possible that your defective brake light switch is to blame.

5.      Cruise Control Deactivation - If your car has cruise control, a damaged or faulty brake light switch might disable it. What causes this to happen? The cruise control system and the rear brake lights are often controlled by the same switch in many cars. As a result, if the brake lamp switch fails, your cruise control will most certainly fail as well. This isn't to say that the cruise control stops operating only due to a faulty brake light switch. It can also happen if the electronic control module has a blown fuse or a faulty speed sensor. However, it is always preferable to be safe than sorry. If your cruise control stops working, have a professional look at your brake light switch too.

If you use an online MOT history checker, you'll see that one of the most prevalent causes for a MOT test failure is a faulty light.

Since brake lights are what alerts vehicles driving behind you that you are slowing down or coming to a stop, if the switch that triggers them malfunctions, the vehicle's overall safety is jeopardised. 

As a result, if you believe your vehicle's brake light switch is faulty or malfunctioning, have the brake lights checked by a professional mechanic to see if a brake light switch replacement is required.

When Should the Brake Light Switch Be Replaced?

Brake light switches, unlike brake pads, are meant to last the life of your vehicle.

That so, internal components within your brake switch might wear down with time, especially if your car's brake lights are controlled by a plunger-style mechanical switch.

Because the brake light switch is such an important part of road safety, it's vital to keep it in good working order.

Furthermore, if your vehicle's push-button ignition switch fails to turn on, you may need to repair it right away in order to keep driving.