Unusual brake light problem. Please help

And it's part of the multi function switch. Whoever invented that thing is a genius for coming up with something that does so many things, but if one of these things quits working, you have to replace the whole f- ng thing. Have done this on non airbag column and it's still a pita, but not as bad as the newer ones. My cousin replaced it on the current Burb a year 1/2 ago, without pulling the wheel. But he's very determined, works on fire trucks and cop trucks, and has lots of little tools. And the column shrouds were already cracked. FWIW on my 96 Dodge Intrepid, Saginaw makes the tilt columns for Chrysler, so it's the same as a GM one. But the multi function switch on it is literally a 5 minute job. Tilt column to fully raised, remove shrouds,2 Torx screws on each piece, remove shrouds, 2 more Torx screws on switch, disconnect harmonica plug, R&R switch, reassemble, you're done. The shrouds snap together very easily; why the hell gm couldn't design their own stuff this way? When your vehicles eat these things?

I didn't pull the wheel on my truck to be able to remove the switch assembly. There's only one T25 screw that's a pain to get to with the wheel in place, but for the most part it's really not all that difficult.

bugdewde said:

Not sure if it applies ..... but the brake light circuit goes through the hazard switch in the steering column.
Unsure if it's upstream or downstream.

A test for it is if the 3rd brake light works..... but not the rears. (At least on a Suburban).
I know I had to replace it on my '99 Suburban. I even was able to "shim" the switch on the column with some pennies wedged in the column cover hole and the switch button. Worked for quite a while like that.

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Me too, that's how we knew what the problem was. No turn signals in the back, no brake lights, but the 3rd brake light worked. My cousin pulled up the wiring diagram on his computer

Well that something to look forward too... lol. I'm going to LKQ and grab a pedal assembly. I ordered the multi switch and hopefully have it before the weekend is over.

Severedokie said:

Now that's someting. My hazard light switch acts weird as hell. I can sometimes get my hazard switch to turn my ignition on. I didnt even suspect the two related.

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For some reason I thought I read in one of your earlier post that you were able to get it to work by pushing in on the new brake switch? The circuit for the tail light also goes through the directional switch as well as hazard. Unless of course you have a European model that has Amber directional / turning lamp

Here's a video that shows how to replace the hazard switch.....

Just remove the column cover ... he states they are held one with reversed torx bolts.... (see comments in picture).
He also states to reinstall the covers BEFORE putting the switch back in the column.

Dirty Bird said:

For some reason I thought I read in one of your earlier post that you were able to get it to work by pushing in on the new brake switch? The circuit for the tail light also goes through the directional switch as well as hazard. Unless of course you have a European model that has Amber directional / turning lamp

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That is correct. If I leave the switch in it’s correct form. Still hooked up to its harness and clipped into the brake rod and pull the switch itself towards the seat, and force the contact with the pin that is protruding from the pedal, it does exactly what it’s suppose to. If I just operate the pedal as intended, meaning just hitting the brake as everyone does, it does nothing. Like the switch and pin are moving together and will not trigger the switch.

Weekend Update. Replaced the entire pedal, made no difference. I will wait till my switch comes in and try that but this is beyond frustrating.

I had the brake light switch retainer clip that holds the switch on the brake pedal stud break. Same symptom, might want to double check it.

It’s a brand new delco clip and I have a box with 3 more just in case.