Expert: Robert Summers - 12/14/2007

Question
Recently my brake lights stopped working and we checked everything the bulbs are fine the wires look good we replaced the brake lamp switch but the problem is you can get the brake lights to work but then for no reason they will go back off my husband thinks that there might be a short in the computer board that is under the driver side dash because when you reach under there and mess with it you can see that the vibration causes the brake lights to go on or off.  Do you have any idea what the problem might be because I cant even find the part online to find out about it. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Kimberly... have him check the brake light switch and see if it is mounted properly. if it's not it will move when you push the pedal. it has to be mounted so that when the pedal is pushed the switch comes all the way out. also check to be sure you have power on one side of the switch with pedal off then both sides when depressed. computer has nothing to do with the brake circut....you are likley moving the wires and causing the switch to move or lose power...hope this helps....merry christmas....