Rear brake light stays on

If the brake lights stay on even if the car is turned off (or even if it is on) the first thing I would be checking is the brake pedal switch under the dash. Brake lights are activated when the brake pedal is depressed and comes off the switch or the return spring is broken or stretched not allowing it to fully return when foot is taken off the brake pedal.

Brake pedal return spring may be weak or brake light switch above pedal may need adjustment.

If you brake lights stay on and the cruise control doesn't work then I would be looking at the brake light switch at the top of the brake pedal as if there is power passing through it then it cuts out the cruise control. The same as if you put your foot on the brake cuts out the cruise control. The hatch button will be another problem like a fuse or broken cable or failed latch solenoid. As to the rear middle brake light try checking the bulb first.

might be the brake pedal light sensor that is attched to the pedal ]
follow the brake pedal till its base and you should find it

The most common "culprit" is the brake light switch. This part is located on the upper portion of the brake pedal. It will have some kind of "push button" action that is actuated by the brake pedal arm (usually when the arm is in the rest position). Test the pedal a few times to make sure that the switch button is pressed in when your foot is off the brake pedal. If the switch button is not making contact with the brake pedal arm, try to adjust it forward (some switches can be adjusted) until the brake pedal arm comes in contact with the brake light switch. If the light stays on, try this simple test: Try unplugging the switch connector, your brake lights should turn off. The switch may be shorted and will need to be replaced.

Prompt action is necessary for this problem as your battery will be drained if the brake lights are allowed to saty on.


Hope this helps...


Have a great day !!!

mcdevito75 here, Are you sure your haedlite switch is off, if it"s on your brake lite will also stay on. However it could be the brake light switch out of adjustment. It"s located on the brake pedal, with your foot behind the brake pedal gently lift up on the brake pedal and see if the brake lights go out if they do or even if they don"t, have yoyr local shop check it out.

It sounds like the brake switch on the brake pedal arm is stuck its like a push button type switch when you press the brake pedal down it pushes the button in on the switch which makes the brake lights come on,when you take your foot off the brake pedal the button is supposed to come back out if it doesn't the brake lights will stay on.

Replace the brake light switch above the brake pedal

Is it just the Rear Window Light that stays on, or is the Rear Window Light and the brake lights located at the back/bumper of the car? If it is BOTH the Rear Window Light AND the brake lights at the rear of the car, then you likely have a faulty brake switch located at the brake pedal inside the car cabin. When the brake pedal is in the normal position, ie - you are not depressing the brake pedal, the arm of the brake pedal leading to the pedal with your foot pushes upon... this arm is applying constant pressure to the switch - with keeps your brake lights OFF. When you apply pressure to the brake pedal, it moves the brake arm away from the switch, which activates the circuit, and your brake lights turn on. If this switch is broken, your brake circuit thinks the brake pedal and arm are being pushed away from the switch, and your brake lights turn on. As you are aware, having the light on constantly can wear down your battery AND the heat from this constant light bulb of the brake light in the rear window can deform the shape of the red reflector in this rear window light housing. If, however, it is only the rear window light that stays on - then it is probably a loose or bad connection where this light plugs into the rest of the circuit in the trunk near the back seat. If this is the case, follow the wires from the rear window light assembly to the point where they plug into the rest of the circuit (inside the trunk) and unplug this wire set, clean the terminal ends, and plug them back together. ***WAIT, WAIT!!*** because you of the risk of touching the terminal ends together and blowing the circuit, if you also plan to clean the hot side, please remove the NEGATIVE battery terminal while cleaning (DO NOT USE WATER, just a wire brush or steel wool). After you are done cleaning and have the terminals reconnected, reconnect the negative battery terminal (you will also have to reset your radio stations and radio clock).

check the bulbs and the wiring there may be a short