A little while ago I noticed my brakes would no longer turn off my cruise control.... I didn't really think much of it because I would just press the 'off' button. Then yesterday I realized that my brake lights weren't turning on. So I figured there must be a connection.... that something in my brakes aren't letting the rest of my car's electrical system know that I'm braking. Does anyone know what this could be? I'm going to take it somewhere to fix it but I wanted to know if there was anyone in here with a professional opinion so I could ask questions over the phone and compare prices.
BTW, my car's a stick shift '97 Mustang
2006-10-31 13:59:15 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
As long as wiring is good, it sounds like BOO (brake on/off swtich) is not working. There are other symptoms that can be associated with this switch not working other than the two you describe. But, it's not an expensive part from the dealer to purchase.
2006-10-31 14:05:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First check the fuse. The fuse box is under the dash. Check your owners manual for exact location. If it's blown, replace it and see what happens. If you don't have a short anywhere, that may be it. It could also be the brake light switch. (common on early Fords, but I think they changed the design by '97) If you don't have a short you're done. I had a short in my '02
Focus wagon, in the tailgate.Lucky you have a stick, I couldn't shift my car out of park because the shift interlock works off the brake lights too.
2006-10-31 14:11:16 · answer #2 · answered by bondo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to look at the switch and see if its where it should be by pushing on the peddle and watch it move have someone stand in back to watch the lights.Your cruise control is a separate switch next to or above the brake switch.The brake switch uses a spring or wire to attach it to the peddle it might be off or broken.You can buy the parts at an auto parts store cheaper than at the dealer.
2006-10-31 14:13:59 · answer #3 · answered by dreamweaver021557 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like, The brake light switch is bad! It normally costs $60 for the switch and with labor the total should be around $240
The brake light switch is the only way the cruise control knows the brakes have been actuated and b/c you stated your brake lights are not working it seems obvious that your brake light switch is faulty.
2006-10-31 14:06:33 · answer #4 · answered by insight 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOur stop light switch turns on your brake lights and shuts off the cruise control. So I would definetinly start there. It is connected to your brake pedal. If you unplug it, the brake lights will come on and remain on until you depress the plunger on the switch. If so, you found your problem.
As with all electrical problems, check the fuses first.
2006-10-31 15:08:51 · answer #5 · answered by techdave1969 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check to see if the brake light switch is seated in it's bracket where it contacts the arm of the brake pedal. It could be stripped and not completing the circuit as well as not being able to dump vacuum to your cruise control servo.
2006-10-31 14:45:23 · answer #6 · answered by ron k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First I would check for a blown Brake light fuse, if it ain't the fuse it could be that your brake light switch is stuck open or has come unplugged.
2006-10-31 14:13:10 · answer #7 · answered by tvcarvcr2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most likely is the brake switch or may be called brake light switch - very common thing. Just visit your dealer, they won't charge much.
2006-10-31 14:09:18 · answer #8 · answered by svthech 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the brake light swich mounted just above the brake pedal arm.
2006-10-31 15:34:11 · answer #9 · answered by R1volta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋