2001 Sedan Brake lights stay on

[N4EFDave]

The rear brake lights and the high-mounted brake light on my 2001 4-door sedan Corolla stay on constantly even when the car is not running and all other lights are turned off.

The only way I've found around this until I solve the problem is to disconnect the batter cable.

I've searched the web and this site for help, but so far I've come up dry on this one.

I ask for help!

Dave

[Chris Corolla S]

Sounds like you have a short.

Check the tail light fuse first.

[N4EFDave]

The fuses were the first place I went, but I figured the lights would likely not illuminate at all if a fuse had blown, thereby opening the circuit.

I finally got my upper body under the dash and found the brake-light momentary switch was not being depressed by the brake pedal shaft. The lights are "on" when the momentary switch "on", and this occurs when the brake pedal is pressed.

It seems a plastic tab that rides on the brake pedal shaft at the brake-light switch had cleanly broken away from the pedal shaft, which then allowed the momentary switch to remain undpressed, or "on".

Depressing the brake switch turns the lights off, but since the plastic tab was missing, the switch was always "on."

I wrapped the brake pedal shaft with electrical tape at the switch, which forced the momentary switch closed, turning off the brake lights as long as the brake pedal is not depressed.

I'll obtain a replacement "tab" from Toyota to install on the brake pedal shaft.

I hope this helps others who might encounter a similar problem.

Case closed.

Dave