Replace the brake light switch located on the brake pedal assembly to restore proper brake light operation and ensure safe vehicle operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake light switch × 1 — Toyota OEM 84340-02100 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key fob from vehicle interior
3. Open driver's door and leave it open for access and interior lighting
4. Allow at least 30 minutes for any previous driving to ensure brake pedal area is cool
5. Remove driver's side lower dashboard panel if equipped (some models have open access, others require panel removal using trim tools)
6. Position yourself comfortably to access the area above the brake pedal - you will be working in an inverted position looking upward

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the brake light switch
   Using a flashlight, locate the brake light switch mounted on the brake pedal bracket above the brake pedal arm. The switch is a cylindrical plastic component approximately 2 inches long with an electrical connector on one end and a threaded body that passes through the pedal bracket. The plunger end contacts the brake pedal arm when the pedal is at rest.
2. 2

   Disconnect the electrical connector
   Press the locking tab on the electrical connector and pull it straight off the brake light switch. The connector may be stiff - apply firm, steady pressure on the tab while pulling. Do not twist or bend the connector excessively. Note the orientation of the connector for reassembly.
   ⚠Do not force the connector. If it does not release easily, verify you are pressing the correct locking tab. Damaging the connector can require replacement of the entire pedal harness.
3. 3

   Remove the brake light switch
   Rotate the brake light switch counterclockwise approximately 45 degrees to unlock it from the mounting bracket. The switch uses a bayonet-style twist lock. Once rotated, pull the switch straight out toward the rear of the vehicle. If the switch is difficult to rotate, you may need to slightly depress the brake pedal to relieve pressure on the switch plunger.
4. 4

   Inspect the mounting bracket and pedal contact area
   Examine the mounting bracket for cracks or damage. Check the brake pedal arm contact point for wear or debris. Clean any dirt or debris from the bracket mounting surface using a clean cloth. Verify the brake pedal returns fully to the rest position without binding.
5. 5

   Prepare the new brake light switch
   Remove the new brake light switch from packaging. Verify it matches the old switch in design and connector type. Do NOT adjust the plunger position on the new switch - it comes pre-adjusted from the factory. Check that the plunger moves freely and returns when pressed.
   ⚠The new switch is factory-calibrated for proper brake pedal position sensing. Do not attempt to adjust the plunger length or switch position, as this will cause incorrect brake light activation points and may affect push-button start function.
6. 6

   Install the new brake light switch
   Insert the new brake light switch into the mounting bracket with the alignment tabs positioned correctly. Push the switch fully into the bracket, then rotate clockwise approximately 45 degrees until it locks into place. You should feel and hear a positive click when the switch locks. Ensure the plunger is in contact with the brake pedal arm.
7. 7

   Reconnect the electrical connector
   Push the electrical connector firmly onto the brake light switch terminals until you hear or feel it click into the locked position. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Verify the connector locking tab is fully engaged.
8. 8

   Reinstall lower dashboard panel
   If you removed the lower dashboard panel, reinstall it now by aligning the clips and pressing firmly until all clips engage. Ensure no wiring is pinched behind the panel.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all dashboard panels are securely reinstalled with no gaps or loose clips
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the pedal area that could interfere with pedal operation
3. Place key fob back in vehicle for testing

Verification

• With ignition OFF, have an assistant observe the rear brake lights while you press and release the brake pedal multiple times - lights should illuminate immediately when pedal moves and turn off when pedal is fully released
• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and verify brake lights still function correctly with pedal operation
• Verify the push-button start system works correctly - engine should only start when brake pedal is depressed
• If equipped with cruise control, verify that pressing the brake pedal cancels cruise control operation (test while driving in a safe area)
• Check that brake lights turn off completely when pedal is fully released - lights remaining on indicate switch misalignment or incorrect installation
• Test the shift interlock - with ignition ON, verify you cannot shift out of Park without depressing the brake pedal
• Perform a test drive in a safe area and have someone follow to confirm brake lights operate properly during actual driving conditions
• If brake lights do not function correctly, reverse the procedure and verify switch installation, connector engagement, and check for blown fuses in the brake light circuit

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