Brake Light Switch: Description and Operation

Fig. 3 Brake Lamp Switch:

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH
The brake lamp switch is located under the instrument panel at the brake pedal arm. The brake lamp switch has three internal switches that control various electrical functions of the vehicle.

The brake lamp switch has three internal switches that control various electrical functions of the vehicle. The main function of the brake lamp switch is to control the operation of the vehicle's brake lamps.

When the brake pedal is pressed, the plunger on the outside of the brake lamp switch extends outward. This action opens and closes the electrical contacts inside the switch depending on the internal switch in question.

For the brake lamp circuit, this action closes the electrical contacts within the switch, completing the circuit to the brake lamps at the rear of the vehicle. The brake lamps and Center-high-mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) then illuminate.