Brake Light Switch

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake light switch × 1 — Use OEM specification or Mopar 4602863AB

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Open driver's door and adjust seat fully rearward for maximum pedal access
4. Allow adequate time for knee bolsters and pedal assembly to cool if vehicle was recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Access brake pedal area
   Position yourself in the driver's footwell with adequate lighting. You may need to remove the lower dashboard trim panel below the steering column for better access. If removing trim, carefully pry the panel using a trim tool or small flathead screwdriver, working around any retaining clips. On some models, the panel is held by two screws near the bottom edge.
2. 2

   Locate brake light switch
   Identify the brake light switch mounted on the brake pedal bracket assembly, positioned near the top of the brake pedal arm. The switch is a cylindrical component with an electrical connector and typically has a threaded body or push-in design with a locking collar. Note the orientation and position before removal.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull the connector straight off the switch. The connector may be stiff due to age; wiggle gently while pulling if necessary. Do not pull on the wiring harness itself.
4. 4

   Remove old brake light switch
   If the switch is threaded: rotate the switch counterclockwise to unthread it from the brake pedal bracket. If the switch is push-in style with a locking collar: rotate the collar counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn and pull the switch straight out. Note the exact position and number of threads exposed for proper adjustment of the new switch.
5. 5

   Inspect mounting area and pedal operation
   Check the brake pedal bracket threads or mounting hole for damage or debris. Manually operate the brake pedal to ensure smooth movement and proper return spring function. Clean any dirt or debris from the mounting area.
6. 6

   Install new brake light switch
   For threaded switches: thread the new switch clockwise into the bracket by hand until it contacts the brake pedal arm in the released position, then back out approximately 1/4 to 1/2 turn to create proper gap (typically 0.030-0.050 inches). For push-in switches: insert the switch into the mounting hole until it clicks, then rotate the locking collar clockwise 1/4 turn to secure. The switch plunger should be fully extended when the pedal is released and should depress when the pedal is pressed.
7. 7

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the brake light switch until you hear or feel the locking tab click into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
8. 8

   Test switch operation
   Turn the ignition to the ON position (do not start engine). Have an assistant observe the brake lights while you press and release the brake pedal multiple times. Brake lights should illuminate immediately when pedal is pressed and extinguish completely when released. Also verify the brake lights on the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) function properly.
9. 9

   Test cruise control and shift interlock
   With the brake pedal released and ignition ON, verify that the transmission shift lever CANNOT be moved out of PARK (automatic transmission). Then press and hold the brake pedal and confirm the lever now shifts freely out of PARK. Note: if equipped with the manual G56 transmission, this shift interlock test does not apply. If equipped with cruise control, start the engine and verify cruise control can be set and that pressing the brake pedal immediately cancels cruise control operation.
10. 10

    Reinstall trim panels
    If lower dashboard trim was removed, align the panel with its mounting location and press firmly around all retaining clip locations until each clip snaps into place. Install any screws that were removed and tighten securely by hand.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify lower dashboard trim panel is securely reinstalled with all clips engaged
3. Return driver's seat to normal operating position

Verification

• With ignition ON, verify brake lights illuminate when pedal is pressed and turn off when released
• Confirm all three brake light assemblies function (left, right, and center high-mount)
• Test transmission shift interlock - should not shift out of PARK without pressing brake pedal (automatic transmission)
• If equipped, verify cruise control disengages immediately when brake pedal is pressed
• Have another person verify brake light operation while you press the pedal, or back up to a wall/garage door to see reflection
• Road test vehicle in safe area and confirm brake lights work during normal braking and cruise control cancels properly

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