Replace the brake light switch located on the brake pedal assembly to restore brake light operation and restore proper cruise control and push-button start functionality.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake light switch × 1 — Motorcraft SW-6928 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Open driver's door and leave it open for access and interior lighting
4. Adjust driver's seat fully rearward and down to maximize working room under dashboard
5. Remove lower dashboard panel or knee bolster if equipped to improve access (some models have removable panels secured with clips or fasteners)
6. Use flashlight to locate the brake light switch on the brake pedal assembly above the brake pedal arm

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate and inspect brake light switch
   Position yourself in the driver's footwell looking upward at the brake pedal assembly. The brake light switch is mounted on a bracket above the brake pedal arm and has a wiring harness connector attached. The switch plunger contacts the brake pedal arm when the pedal is in the rest position. Note the orientation and position of the switch for installation reference.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the wiring harness connector on the brake light switch. Depress the connector locking tab (typically on the side or top of connector) and pull the connector straight off the switch. You may need to use a small flat-blade screwdriver to assist with releasing the locking tab. Do not pull on the wires themselves.
3. 3

   Remove brake light switch from bracket
   The brake light switch is typically retained by a twist-lock mechanism or sliding clip. Rotate the switch counterclockwise approximately 30-45 degrees (typically 1/8 to 1/4 turn) while gently pulling outward, or slide the retaining clip to the unlock position if equipped with a slide-type retention. Remove the switch from the mounting bracket. Note the position of any spacers or adjustment collars on the switch body.
   ⚠The switch plunger may be under light spring tension. Control the switch as it releases to prevent dropping it into the pedal assembly area.
4. 4

   Prepare new brake light switch
   Remove the new brake light switch from packaging. Verify it matches the old switch in connector type and mounting style. If the new switch has an adjustment collar or self-adjusting clip, ensure it is in the correct position according to the installation instructions provided with the part. Most modern switches are self-adjusting and will set themselves on first brake pedal application.
5. 5

   Install new brake light switch
   Position the new switch into the mounting bracket with the plunger facing toward the brake pedal arm. Ensure any alignment tabs or guides are properly seated. For twist-lock type: push the switch fully into the bracket and rotate clockwise approximately 30-45 degrees until it locks in place. For slide-clip type: slide the switch into position until the retaining clip engages. Verify the switch is fully seated and secure in the bracket.
   ⚠Ensure the switch plunger will contact the brake pedal arm properly. Incorrect orientation will prevent brake lights from functioning.
6. 6

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the wiring harness connector onto the new switch until you hear or feel a positive click indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is securely locked to the switch. Ensure no wires are pinched or under tension.
7. 7

   Verify switch plunger operation
   Manually depress the brake pedal slowly while observing the switch plunger (use a mirror or smartphone camera if needed). The plunger should extend as the pedal moves away from it, and compress fully when the pedal returns to rest position. Verify there is no excessive free play and the pedal fully releases the switch plunger when at rest.
   ⚠If the switch does not operate smoothly or the plunger does not make proper contact with the pedal arm, remove and reinstall the switch to correct positioning.
8. 8

   Test brake light operation
   Have an assistant observe the rear brake lights, or position a mirror or smartphone camera to view the rear lights yourself. Turn the ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Depress the brake pedal and verify all brake lights illuminate. Release the pedal and verify all brake lights turn off completely. Repeat several times to confirm consistent operation.
9. 9

   Test push-button start and shift interlock
   With your foot OFF the brake pedal, verify the push-button start does not allow the engine to start (should only go to accessory mode). Depress the brake pedal and verify the engine starts normally. With engine running or ignition on, verify the transmission shifter cannot be moved out of PARK without the brake pedal depressed. Verify the shifter moves freely with brake pedal depressed.
   ⚠️If the vehicle can be started without the brake pedal depressed, or if the shifter can be moved out of park without depressing the brake, the switch is incorrectly installed or defective. Do not operate the vehicle until corrected.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any lower dashboard panels or knee bolsters that were removed, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly secured
2. Return driver's seat to normal operating position
3. Clear any tools or parts from the driver's footwell area

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON and verify all brake lights illuminate when brake pedal is depressed and turn off when released
• Verify cruise control can be set and operates normally (brake pedal application should cancel cruise control)
• Confirm push-button start requires brake pedal depression to start the engine
• Verify transmission shift interlock prevents shifting out of PARK without brake pedal depressed
• Test drive vehicle in a safe area and verify brake lights function during actual braking
• Verify no warning lights or messages appear on the instrument cluster related to brake system or shift interlock
• Have another person verify brake lights are visible and bright during road operation

More procedures for this vehicle