Brake Light Switch

Replace the brake light switch located on the brake pedal assembly to restore proper brake light operation and cruise control disengagement functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake light switch × 1 — Mopar 56009714 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Chock rear wheels for safety
4. Allow driver's footwell area to cool if vehicle was recently driven
5. Arrange adequate lighting to see brake pedal mounting bracket area
6. Have a helper available to verify brake light operation during testing, or use a mirror to observe lights

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the brake light switch
   Open driver's door and position yourself to look up under the dash above the brake pedal. The brake light switch is mounted on the brake pedal support bracket near the top of the brake pedal arm, close to where the pedal pivots. It is a small cylindrical or rectangular switch with a spring-loaded plunger that contacts a striker tab on the pedal arm; the plunger is depressed when the pedal is at rest (released). Identify the electrical connector attached to the switch.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Locate the wiring harness connector on the brake light switch. Press the release tab on the connector (typically on the side or top) and pull the connector straight off the switch terminals. You may need to wiggle it gently while pulling. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Set the connector aside where it won't fall into the pedal mechanism.
3. 3

   Remove the old brake light switch
   The Dodge Ram brake light switch typically pushes into the pedal support bracket and is retained by locking tabs or a lock tab/lever. Depress or release the retaining tab(s) and pull the switch straight out of the bracket. Note the position and orientation of the switch for installation of the new unit. Note the position and orientation of the switch for installation of the new unit. On some models, you may need to remove a small retaining clip with a flat screwdriver before the switch can be extracted.
4. 4

   Prepare the new brake light switch
   Compare the new switch to the old switch to verify correct part. Check that the plunger moves freely and returns under spring pressure. Some switches come with the plunger extended for shipping and are self-adjusting on installation. Follow the specific instructions included with your new switch for setting the plunger, as the self-adjust step is performed during insertion into the bracket.
5. 5

   Install the new brake light switch
   With the brake pedal in the released (up) position, insert the new switch into the mounting bracket in the same orientation as the old switch. Push the new switch straight into the mounting bracket until the retaining tabs lock into place. Many of these switches are self-adjusting: with the plunger fully extended, insert the switch and allow the pedal contact to set the plunger position automatically. Ensure the switch is fully seated and locked in the bracket. Ensure the plunger is positioned to contact the brake pedal arm properly when the pedal is released.
6. 6

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Push the wiring harness connector firmly onto the terminals of the new brake light switch until you hear or feel a positive click. Verify the connector is fully seated by gently tugging on it - it should not pull off. Ensure wiring is routed clear of the brake pedal movement path and will not be pinched or abraded during pedal operation.
7. 7

   Adjust switch position if necessary
   Some switches have adjustable mounting positions. With the pedal fully released, the switch plunger should be compressed approximately 1/16 to 1/8 inch by contact with the pedal arm. When the brake pedal is pressed, the plunger should extend fully. If the switch position is adjustable on your model, loosen the mounting lock and slide the switch body in or out to achieve proper plunger compression, then tighten the lock.
8. 8

   Test brake light operation
   Turn the ignition key to the RUN position (engine does not need to start). Have your helper observe the rear brake lights, or position a mirror so you can see them yourself. Press the brake pedal - all brake lights should illuminate immediately. Release the pedal - all brake lights should extinguish. Repeat this test 5-6 times to verify consistent operation. Check center high-mount brake light as well if equipped.
9. 9

   Test cruise control cutoff function
   With the ignition in RUN position, verify that the cruise control indicator on the dash responds when you press the cruise control buttons. If safe to do so, test-drive the vehicle and verify that: 1) cruise control can be set and engaged normally, and 2) pressing the brake pedal immediately disengages cruise control. This confirms the switch is sending the proper signal to the cruise control module.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was required for this procedure beyond switch removal
2. Ensure all wiring is properly routed and secured away from pedal movement
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the driver's footwell area

Verification

• With ignition ON, press brake pedal and verify all brake lights illuminate (left, right, and center high-mount if equipped)
• Release brake pedal and verify all brake lights extinguish completely with no flickering
• Test repeatedly to ensure consistent operation - lights should respond immediately to pedal movement
• Verify cruise control can be set and immediately disengages when brake pedal is pressed
• Check that brake pedal returns fully to rest position and does not hang up on switch body
• If brake lights remain on constantly or do not illuminate at all, recheck electrical connector seating and switch installation position
• Before driving in traffic, have another person verify brake lights are visible and functioning from behind the vehicle

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