brake lights issue

[ocesaulo]

Hi again,

My 90 camry has another issue, this time is with the ALL brake lights acting funny.
The bulbs are OK because sometimes the lights will flick on when pressing the brakes.
However when I try again or 9 out of 10 times they ALL simply won't turn on.
I conclude its something electrical.
Just wondering if anyone has come across something like this and what can be the possible causes/ solutions.
I've only started looking at the electrical part of the manual so pointers are very welcome.

Thanks and aloha,
Saulo

[atobe]

do the tail lights go on when you just turn on the headlights or parking lights ? do they work ?? and check your brake switch... do you hear a click when you press on the pedal? it could be bad on you or needs adjustment.

[ocesaulo]

Hi, thanks for the reply.
The tail lights work when the headlights are turned on. I'm not sure about the parking lights. I hear no clicks when I press the brake pedal. How/Where do I check the brake switch?

[ocesaulo]

Hi, thanks for the reply.
The tail lights work when the headlights are turned on. I'm not sure about the parking lights. I hear no clicks when I press the brake pedal. How/Where do I check the brake switch?

[nopain00]

The brake light switch is directly above the brake pedal. You may have to remove the lower part of the panel as well as the small duct by your knees. You'll see the switch connected to the brake pedal arm. You can loosen it with a wrench and then check the switch for continuity.

[scarney1988]

What trim level is your car?
What engine?
Manual or automatic?
Cruise control or not (most important)?

Do you own a multimeter?
Do you own a test light?


The brake switch is located at the top of the brake pedal assembly.

The green wire with a red tracer is your power supply. Probing this wire with a test light connected to ground should yield a lit light at all times. If this does not occur, check all fuses.

The green wire with a white tracer is your switched power supply for the brake lights. The following tests are with the switch connected to the wiring harness. Probing this wire with a test light connected to ground should yield an unlit light. However, probing this wire while depressing the pedal/switch should yield a consitently lit light. If this does not happen, and there is power at the other wire, then adjust/replace the switch.

I appologize if I got to in depth. I just was not aware of your experience level or tool collection. Stay strong

GOOD LUCK

[ocesaulo]

Originally Posted by scarney1988

What trim level is your car?
What engine?
Manual or automatic?
Cruise control or not (most important)?

Do you own a multimeter?
Do you own a test light?

I appologize if I got to in depth. I just was not aware of your experience level or tool collection. Stay strong

GOOD LUCK

Hi, Thanks for the reply. No need for apologize, its awesome to get some in depth info.
My camry is a 4 cylinder sv21 automatic with no cruise control.
I do not own a multimeter and test lights. I got no eletrical tools at all.

The brake switch seems to be the cause of the trouble, as I also have to use overwrite to get out of park gear. By messing with the white button on the switch and loosing it then tightening again I got the lights to work for a couple days but now they are out.

I need to replace it I guess. Do the job do I have to release the brake pedal? How do I do that, do I take the spring from the pin or the pin from wherever its going into there?
I mean it was really tough to actually get to the nut on the switch and i'm not sure I can unplug the switch with the pedal on the way.

[atobe]

been awhile since i was in that area i don't think you have to take off the pedal.. even if you do it's just 1 14mm bolt/nut holding it on. i think all you have to do is unscrew the locking nut on the brake switch that should losen it and it'll spin it out once you dissconnect the wire connector. the part is only 10$ or so i think last time i replaced mine... i had the opposite problem mine was always on even when i wasn't stepping on the brake pedal.. it's a hard/narrow/small area to work with... i would suggest you take out your seat(only 4 bolts, and a 2 philip screws) to make it easier