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Why are My Tail Lights Staying On


Why are my tail lights staying on? This problem can be the result of a shorted out wire.

However, it is likely happening because your brake switch has failed or is near the point of not working at all.

The brake switch like all parts wears out overtime but can be damaged as well. Slamming on your brakes can damage the switch.

A worn down brake switch may stick or fail to work completely.

Why are my tail lights staying on? A defective brake switch causes this to happen.

The electrical wiring for the brake light switch also powers the relay for the horn in your vehicle.

If your horn, honks when you press down on the brake pedal this is happening due to the faulty brake light switch.

Another problem that you may experience if your vehicle is an automatic is not being able to move the gear selector out of the parked position.

Yes, on many cars the brake light switch controls this action. If you have ever gotten into your car or truck and heard a little click sound after you press down on the brake pedal that sound is the brake switch disengaging your vehicle shifter.

The Purpose of Brake Light Switches

The brake light switch on your vehicle controls the illumination of your brake lights.

Although you must replace your brake light switch, it is better to have the brake lights stuck on if you must drive the vehicle.

Many times when the switch fails, the brake lights do not light up at all. This can lead to a rear end crash.

The switch is cheap but until it is replaced, if you must drive, use your four way flashes to alert other drivers on the road when you are braking.

Brake Light Switch Repair

The most difficult part of doing this repair yourself is finding your brake light switch in stock someplace. The repair can be accomplished right at home in less than a half hour.

If you do not already have one, purchase your vehicles repair manual online or from an auto parts store. The local library also has vehicle repair manuals.

You can not check them out but you can make copies of the couple of pages that you need.

The brake light switch is attached to the back of the brake pedal. Not the part that you step on, it is attached to the metal bar that the rubber pedal is connected to.

It is shaped like a rectangle, some have a rounded shape but it has a little plug attached to the back of it as well.

You will need some minor household tools. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery with a wrench or some pliers to avoid possible shock.

Remove the brake light switch and install the new one exactly as the old switch was in place. Take a picture with your phone to remember the switches placement.

After the new switch is installed, reconnect the battery cable and test the brake lights at home before you take the vehicle on the road.

If the brake lights are still on, the switch needs to be adjusted. Lights continually on means the switch needs to be pulled away from the brake pedal bar.

If there is a delay between when you press down on the brake pedal and the brake lights illuminating, the switch is too far away from the brake pedal bar.

You can but do not buy a used brake light switch from the junk yard. Nothing against them, you just don’t know if the switch will last.

New parts fail as well but many junk yards have a no return policy. The brake light switch should cost no more than twenty-five bucks.

If you can not find it that cheap locally, order the part online or ask the auto parts store if they price match.