Parking Brake Switch Replacement

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Learn about Parking Brake Switch Replacement from Wrench

Mobile Parking Brake Switch Replacement at Home or Office

If you engage your vehicle’s parking brake, but the light on your dashboard does not turn on, there’s a big chance that your parking brake light switch is busted. If you have a step-on parking brake, this switch is located underneath the dash. On the other hand, if you have a hand-style parking brake, you can find this switch under the center console assembly. This particular component is the one that signals to the light in your dashboard to turn on or off, if you engage or disengage the parking brake, respectively. Just like any other component in your vehicle, this car part will eventually wear out after years of continued use. This can be caused by constant exposure to damage-causing elements like heat and moisture or the accumulation of dirt. A faulty parking brake switch can cause many problems. If a switch is bad, the brake lights won’t operate and the transmission shifter will not come out of the park position. In cars with a push-button start system, a faulty brake switch can cause the vehicle not to start. If you plan to replace your parking brake light switch on your own, the best thing you can do is to book an appointment with Wrench mobile mechanic to secure the vehicle and that will help make the job as easy as pie. Never settle for anything less and get professional services from a company that you can trust.

What is Parking Brake Switch Replacement?

The parking brake switch is a small device attached to the brake pedal mechanism. Despite its small size, the brake light switch plays an important role in a modern car. Many vehicle systems including push-button start, antilock brakes and vehicle stability control cannot operate if a brake switch is not working properly. The brake switch serves two major functions. First, it turns on the brake lights when a driver presses the brake pedal. Second, it sends a signal to the vehicle computer that brakes are applied. A car with a faulty brake light switch is unsafe to drive.

How is Parking Brake Switch Replacement Done?

  1. Locate your parking brake switch. If you have a foot style parking brake, the switch is under the dash mounted to or behind the lever.
  2. For a hand style parking brake only, remove the center console to gain access to the parking brake lever and switch.
  3. Unplug the electrical connector to the parking brake switch.
  4. Unclip the switch from the brake lever, or unbolt it from its mounting location. Install in reverse order of the removal.

Recommendations

Your parking brake switch is an important safety component on your vehicle. While not having a notification won’t impede your driving, you may unintentionally drive with the e-brake engaged, which will quickly wear out the brake. Have the switch or light serviced by one of our expert mechanics as soon as possible.

Symptoms That Indicate You Need A Parking Brake Switch Replacement

  • Dash light comes on intermittently when engaging the emergency brake
  • The dash light stays on while parking brake is not engaged
  • Dash light does not turn on when engaging the emergency brake

Wrench mechanics can make a big difference in your life. We take care of problems, like a parking brake switch in need of repair or replacement, without forcing you to make an inconvenient trip to the repair shop. Contact us now and get a repair quote, schedule an appointment, and have your vehicle repaired while you live your life.