Brake Light Switch

This procedure replaces the brake light switch located on the brake pedal assembly, which activates the brake lights when the pedal is pressed.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake light switch × 1 — ACDelco D6276A or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Open driver's door and leave it open for entire procedure
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for electrical systems to discharge
5. Adjust driver's seat fully rearward to maximize working space
6. If equipped, remove driver's side lower dash trim panel for better access

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the brake light switch
   Position yourself under the dashboard on the driver's side. Using a flashlight, locate the brake light switch mounted on the brake pedal bracket above the brake pedal arm. The switch will have an electrical connector and a pushrod that contacts the brake pedal arm when released.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the brake light switch body. Press the locking tab on the connector and pull it straight away from the switch. The connector may be stiff; do not pull on the wires themselves, only the connector body.
3. 3

   Remove the old brake light switch
   The switch is typically held by a quarter-turn twist lock or retaining clip mechanism. Rotate the switch body counterclockwise approximately 30 degrees while pulling it out of the mounting bracket. If equipped with a retaining clip, press the clip tabs and slide the switch out of the bracket. Note the orientation of the switch for installation of the new part.
4. 4

   Inspect the mounting bracket and pedal arm
   Examine the brake pedal mounting bracket and the contact point on the pedal arm for damage, wear, or debris. Clean the mounting area with a shop towel. Verify the brake pedal returns fully to the rest position with spring tension.
5. 5

   Prepare the new brake light switch
   Remove the new brake light switch from packaging. If the switch has an adjustable plunger, verify it is in the fully extended position. Some switches are self-adjusting and will set automatically when the brake pedal is pressed for the first time.
6. 6

   Install the new brake light switch
   Insert the new switch into the mounting bracket in the same orientation as the old switch. If twist-lock style, rotate clockwise approximately 30 degrees until it locks into place with an audible click. If clip style, push until the retaining clips engage. Ensure the switch plunger makes contact with the brake pedal arm when the pedal is in the rest position.
7. 7

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the new brake light switch until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely attached.
8. 8

   Reconnect the battery
   Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Ensure the connection is clean and tight.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any dash trim panels removed during preparation
2. Return driver's seat to normal operating position
3. Close driver's door

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine does not need to run) and verify dashboard lights illuminate
• Have an assistant observe the rear brake lights while you press and release the brake pedal multiple times. All brake lights should illuminate immediately when pedal is pressed and turn off when released
• Verify cruise control can be set and disengages when brake pedal is pressed (if equipped)
• Check that transmission will shift out of PARK only when brake pedal is pressed (automatic transmission)
• Test brake-transmission shift interlock by attempting to shift out of PARK without pressing brake pedal - transmission should NOT shift
• If any brake lights fail to illuminate or any interlock systems do not function correctly, STOP and seek professional service immediately. Do not drive the vehicle

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