2009 1500 4x4 ABS Brake Lights Stay On

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Camaron32

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Mason City, IA
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2009
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5.7
Two days ago I realized that both the rear brake lights on my Ram stayed on. I checked all the lights and headlight switch. I checked the brake fluid. The only explanation I could find was that there is a gap between the brake pedal and the stoplight switch. Is there an adjustment to either the pedal or the switch? Or is this just an early sign that the brake master cylinder is going bad? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 

muddy12

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2012
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Does the brake pedal press the switch if you lift up on it? Couple be that the pedal return spring has gotten week.


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Camaron32

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2009
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Yes, if I raise up the pedal it turns the brake lights off. I didn't realize there was a spring. I'll have to see if I can get a diagram of it.
 
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Camaron32

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The problem was a bad brake light switch. The throw of the switch wasn't long enough.
 

Drummin4jc

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I was JUST getting ready to post about this. I’m having this exact problem on my 2012 RAM 1500:

Lights that are currently on: Check Engine, ABS, Traction Control and SRV 4WD in the center. Code states to replace the brake light switch. I did, but here’s the problem. My brake pedal is not pressing back hard enough on the switch to allow the brake lights to go out. I have attached a pic of what I’m talking about. So, is there away to adjust the brake pedal to press against the switch? I can elaborate if needed. Thanks in advance!



Adam

E27ED296-EF08-4F3B-B5FC-9C76EF870859.jpeg
 
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Camaron32

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It looks like the brake pedal is back far enough, but I'm not a mechanic. Before I replaced the brake light switch I was able to manually turn the brake lights on and off by moving the plunger in and out. If the brake lights work properly then I would guess that its the switch. I got mine from a local Dodge dealer and it wasn't that expensive. Just be sure to read the installation instructions BEFORE trying to install it. You have to manually set the throw of the plunger, and if you mess it up you'll have to buy a new switch.

I hope this helps. And it also makes me glad that I did do a follow-up post. I hate not being able to find out if a problem was fixed. If you have any further questions let me know. Thanks.
 

Drummin4jc

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I got my switch at Advanced Auto and it didn’t come with instructions. I didn’t manually set the plunger. It looks like its in enough, but I had my wife check the lights with me, and the petal is JUST out enough to where isn’t not allowing the lights to shut off. I’ll look into getting another one and manually setting the plunger.

Adam
 
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Camaron32

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From what I remember is that after you install the new switch the plunger should be out far enough to contact the brake pedal, and the brake lights should be off. I would try pumping the brakes a few times to make sure they work properly. Once he switch is in the proper place there should be an arm/lever which will need to be flipped in order to set the throw of the plunger. Be sure not to touch the brake pedal when doing this. If you make a mistake and flip the arm/lever and its not in the right place you'll have to buy another one.
 
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