1996 Buick Riviera Brake Light Switch Replacement Cost

Driving a vehicle with a faulty brake light switch is dangerous, if not impossible. If the brake lights stay on constantly, the vehicle may not have enough power to start after sitting for several hours. If the brake lights do not turn on, the vehicle may be illegal to operate. Additionally, other drivers on the road may think the tail lights of the vehicle are turned on, leaving them unaware when you are braking, and causing a traffic accident. The vehicle may not move from park, even if the gear selector is manually released. Get this fixed by a RepairPal Certified Shop

The brake light switch is known to fail under all conditions, and at no particular age or mileage. Often they are placed where the drivers feet may contact them, and dust, dirt, water, and other contaminants are common. These factors can contribute to malfunctioning. Especially in stop and go traffic, the brake light switch is constantly in use, and this wear and tear will eventually lead to failure.

Diagnosis of the brake light switch is quick and easy for the trained professional. When the brake lights fail to illuminate, or the transmission cannot be shifted from park, the technician will look for a bad fuse first, then, the brake light switch electrical connector must be tested to confirm it is delivering sufficient electrical power to the switch. If there is sufficient power, the switch is tested with the button pressed and released. The result will determine if the switch has failed. When the brake lights will not turn off, the switch is inspected to ensure contact is being made with the brake pedal. If the brake light switch is mechanically functioning properly, it will be tested with the button pressed and released.

A Brake Light Switch that is out of adjustment may require replacement if the switch will not hold its proper adjustment.

Replacement of a faulty switch requires removal of retaining hardware, and one electrical connector. Installation is the reverse, but the switch must be adjusted so that the brake lights will turn on when the brake pedal is pressed, and turn off when the brake pedal is in the resting position.

The brake light switch is a critical component on most late model vehicles. It can be an input to many of the vehicle systems.

If the repair and diagnosis of your brake light issue is being trusted to a repair facility, we recommend having the vehicle towed, and taken out of service prior to the repair. In cases where the transmission cannot be shifted from park, the best course of action is to use a flatbed wrecker that raises all four wheels of the vehicle off the ground, preventing harm to the transmission as the drive wheels will not turn.