I want to know how to fix the brake on-off switch. I have no brake lights and I was told that also because of the broken on-off switch is why I have to turn the ecnition part way on without starting the car then put it in nutural, then start the car and to put it in drive. I can not shift my car into gear if I start it before doing what I just stated. Where can I get a diagram to fix it? Maude

brake light switch,shift solenoid,

No sensor involved , brake lamp switch probably needs to be adjusted ,maybe . Learning to test is the way to a fix ,.not by i was told it could be a sensor . Brake lights stay on Not saying that this is your problem but look under dash at the switch .Check the switch an pedal arm .

you can get the switch from the parts store and it bolts directly to the backside of the brake pedal less than $50 buck to do it your self. But i would check for broken or chaffed wires first

Here is a picture of the brake light switch. Also at this point just buy a new connector and splice it on, much easier.

Could be one of two things, both are easy to fix.

1. Faulty brake light switch - are your brake lights working? If not, your brake light switch is broken, and needs to be replaced. It sits directly under the brake pedal, and has a two-pronged wire harness plugged into it. The reason it won't shift out of Park is because it wants the brake pedal pressed before shifting into gear. And if the brake light switch is broken, it doesn't "know" that you've pressed the brake pedal.

The brake light switch should look something like this:


2. If your steering wheel was turned when you parked the car, it's possible that that the steering interlock is binding up. Simple thing to try - press the brake, and turn the wheel slightly to one direction or the other (it'll probably only go one way), while turning the key. You'll feel it loosen up. This can also happen if you're parked on a hill or against a curb.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out!

check your brake light switch under the dash. pull up on the brake pedal, does the light go off? a return spring may be broken, however, more likely the switch. you can pull the brake light fuse to save your battery

Look on the brake pedal up under the dash for a brake light switch,this is the most likely problem.

I have the same problem with my 03 Focus hatchback! Someone stoppedme yesterday to tell me that they looked like they were always on when i was driving but when i was in "Park" they worked... This particular driver was also driving a focus hatchback and asked me if my Cruise Control was working.. It actually was not and he told me the same thing happened with his focus. He said it was a wire attached to the back brake lights that had broken. I have not yet gotten it fixed. has anyone else had this problem?

just look under the dash with the lower plastic panel removed and the brake light switch fastens in a hang down bracket right behind the brake pedal and has 4 wires going to it

is there power TO the brake light switch? adn is there power OUT OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH?