Replace the brake light switch on a 2024 Tesla Model S Long Range AWD. The switch is located on the brake pedal assembly bracket under the driver-side dash and triggers brake lights, regen behavior, and shifter logic.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake light switch (manufacturer-specified for 2024 Model S) × 1 — OEM Tesla brake pedal position switch — verify by VIN

Preparation

1. Park on level ground, place in P, engage parking brake.
2. Exit ALL doors with the key fob away from the vehicle. Wait at least 2 minutes for HV systems to fully de-energize, even on this non-HV job.
3. Open the frunk and remove the nose cowl/service panel to access the 12V (or 16V Li-ion on Plaid-equivalent) low-voltage battery. Disconnect the negative terminal and isolate it.
4. Do NOT touch, cut, or pierce ANY orange cable — these are high-voltage and lethal.
5. If at any point you encounter an orange cable, an HV component, or are unsure if a system is de-energized: STOP and consult a Tesla-certified technician.
6. Move the driver seat fully rearward and tilt the steering column up and away (use Controls > Steering & Mirrors before powering down if needed) to gain footwell access.
7. Confirm replacement switch matches the OEM connector and pedal-bracket geometry before removing the original.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the driver-side footwell
   Remove or fold back the driver-side lower dash trim / knee bolster as required to expose the upper portion of the brake pedal assembly. Use plastic pry tools to release clips. Set fasteners aside in order — Tesla interior fasteners are not always interchangeable.
   ⚠Do not yank trim — hidden harnesses (ambient lighting, diagnostic port) may be attached.
2. 2

   Locate the brake light switch
   The brake light switch is mounted into the brake pedal support bracket above the pedal arm. It is a cylindrical plunger-style switch with an electrical connector on the rear face. Confirm visually before disturbing any wiring.
3. 3

   Disconnect the switch electrical connector
   Depress the connector locking tab and gently pull the harness connector straight off the switch. Do not pull on the wires. Inspect the connector for corrosion or pin damage; report any findings before proceeding.
4. 4

   Remove the old switch
   Most Tesla brake light switches use a quarter-turn bayonet retention into the pedal bracket. Rotate the switch body counterclockwise approximately 1/8 to 1/4 turn (per the manufacturer-specified direction) until it unlocks, then withdraw it straight out of the bracket. If the switch is threaded or clipped instead, follow the OEM removal method — do not force it.
   ⚠If the pedal moves while removing the switch, the self-adjusting plunger on the new switch may not seat correctly. Keep the pedal at rest in its natural up position.
5. 5

   Inspect the pedal bracket bore
   Check the switch bore in the pedal bracket for cracks, debris, or wear. Confirm the pedal striker pad (the surface the plunger contacts) is intact. Do not lubricate the bore or plunger unless the OEM specifies it.
6. 6

   Install the new brake light switch
   With the brake pedal fully at rest (released, not depressed), insert the new switch into the bracket bore until it bottoms gently against the pedal striker. Rotate to lock per the manufacturer-specified direction. The plunger should self-adjust on first pedal application — do NOT pre-press the pedal hard against the new switch during install.
   ⚠Forcing the pedal against an unseated self-adjusting switch can shear internal detents and ruin the new part.
7. 7

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Press the harness connector firmly onto the switch until the locking tab clicks. Tug gently to confirm full engagement.
8. 8

   Reinstall lower dash trim
   Reinstall the knee bolster / lower dash trim panels in reverse order. Ensure all clips fully seat and no wiring is pinched. Torque any threaded fasteners to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the 12V (or 16V) low-voltage battery negative terminal. Torque to OEM specification — refer to Tesla Service Manual.
2. Reinstall the frunk nose cowl / service panel.
3. Close the frunk and allow the vehicle to wake fully (touchscreen booted, HVAC responsive) before testing.
4. Re-learn power window auto-up if affected (hold window switch up at full-closed position per owner's manual).

Verification

• With the vehicle awake and a helper observing, depress the brake pedal — confirm both rear brake lights and the high-mount center brake light illuminate immediately.
• Confirm the brake pedal must be pressed to shift out of Park (touchscreen shifter on 2024 Model S) — if the car shifts without pedal input or refuses to shift with pedal pressed, the switch is mis-seated or wrong part.
• Drive the vehicle briefly and confirm regenerative braking blends correctly and brake lights activate during regen as expected.
• Check the touchscreen for any 'Brake Pedal Position' or related alerts. Clear any transient codes by cycling the vehicle if the switch is functioning correctly.
• While the system is open, note service-interval items: brake fluid is due every 2 years on Tesla regardless of mileage — verify the fluid service date in the owner's records and schedule if overdue.

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