Nissan Maxima - Brake Light Switch Replacement

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5th Generation Maxima (2000-2003) Learn more about the 5th Generation Maxima, including the VQ30DE-K and VQ35DE engines.
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02-01-2009, 05:41 PM
Nelsito65
#1
Need help removing brake light switch
Senior Member
2003 Nissan Maxima
My Garage
2003 Maxima SE TE
Anybody has any experience removing the brake light switch? It is held in place by some kind of
plastic lock nut and I'm not sure what is the trick for removing this part. I tried pressing the side tabs
on that nut while pushing out but was not successful and was afraid of breaking something. Other than
removing the whole brake pedal assembly, I don't know waht to do. The closest information I found
was this thread but there is no mention of anyone actually removing it.
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02-02-2009, 02:21 PM
Nelsito65
Senior Member
2003 Nissan Maxima
#2
I'm picking up the part this evening. I'm still hoping that somebody around these forums, at some
point, had to replace this switch before on his own or know of any detailed How-to.
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02-02-2009, 02:37 PM
pmohr
The Dirty Pearl
Garage is empty, add now
#3
Can you take a picture of the switch? I haven't done one an an A33, but the A32 switches are just a
locknut and an electrical connector.
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02-02-2009, 03:07 PM
Nelsito65
#4
These are two views of the switch (along with the cruise control switch)
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02-02-2009, 03:09 PM
pmohr
The Dirty Pearl
#5
Nice pics. Definitely looks like you need to compress the 4 tabs and push it through the bracket. If you
can't get it by hand, a long set of needle nose pliers should work.
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02-02-2009, 03:48 PM
Nelsito65
Senior Member
2003 Nissan Maxima
#6
Thanks. That was my impression too, but I was only compressing the two larger ones without any
success. I'll give another try tonight.
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02-02-2009, 05:53 PM
NisTech
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#7
that is like a regular bolt nut. turn it 90 degrees with a pliers and it should go loose and then just pull
the switch out.
when you install it start the car and have it running and push it through the hole and make sure when
you install the plastic lock nut you don't ride the pedal as it can be riding the brakes if pressed all the
way in.
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02-02-2009, 10:09 PM
Nelsito65
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#8
Got it!!!!.. This is my humble contribution to the Org for those of you who are in need of replacing the
Stop Lamp Switch (or brake light switch). (Moderators, feel free to move it to the "How-To's" if you feel
it might be helpful to someone).
I became aware of a malfunctioning Stop Lamp Switch in my car when I began having trouble with my
gear selector being "locked", unable to move from Park, unless I manually depressed the shift lock.
This started happening on rare ocassions, so I paid little attention to it at first. As it was happening
more often, I began to search for information and found out that the culprit was indeed a defective stop
lamp swicth. I also found out that, while I was having this issue, my brake lights were not working, and
I began noticing that cars behind me were stopping dangerously close to my rear end, since my brake
lights were not doing its job of warning them when I was slowing down.
Before getting down to the brake pedal area to meet in person the cause of the trouble, I was hoping
that it was held in place simply by a couple of metal nuts, like many other cars. To my surprise, it was
held by some kind of plastic lock nut. Not being familiar with the mechanism and procedure involved in
removing the switch, I began to request tips on how to remove it. I trully appreciate the suggestions
made by some fellow org members.
Parts and procedure are as follows:
The picture below shows the Stop Lamp Switch (also known as Brake Light Switch) along with the
packaging displaying the part number. At a local Nissan dealer, the price out-the-door, including taxes,
was $37.73.
3 of 15
1/10/2015 11:59 PM
Since it was a little uncomfortable for me, I removed the plastic cover under the steering wheel so I
can give myself more room to maneuver. Some people may not need to go through this step and save
some time in the process.
The next picture shows the general area where the Stop Lamp and the Automatic Speed Control Device
(ASCD) switches are located. This view is from the driver side floor looking up towards the dashboard.
In order to release the defective part, hold it by the body (where the Nissan logo is) and turn it 45
degrees, in the direction of the arrow shown in the picture below.
This twisting action will cause the switch to pop out towards the harness. (Note the position of the
switch as it is being released).
Completely slide out the switch, disconnect it from the harness and set it aside.
Grab the new switch and connect it to the harness.
Slide it through the hole and push it against the stopper attached to the brake pedal, holding the switch
in the same position as the old switch was when it was released.
While pushing the switch against the stopper, turn it 45 degrees, this time in the opposite direction as
the arrow shows in the picture above, in order to secure it in place.
To finalize, depress and release the brake pedal a few times to make sure the switch is securely in
place, and to test that your brake lights are working.
If everything is in working order, you are done.
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08-03-2009, 12:21 PM
andrew629
Newbie - Just Registered
2001 Maxima GLE
#9
You rock dude, thanks for taking the time and putting so much attention to detail in this! You probably
just saved me from dropping a couple hundred out of complete frustration!
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08-03-2009, 01:33 PM
Nelsito65
#10
Quote:
Senior Member
2003 Nissan Maxima
Originally Posted by andrew629

You rock dude, thanks for taking the time and putting so much attention to detail in this! You
probably just saved me from dropping a couple hundred out of complete frustration!
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Thanks. I'm glad this write-up can be of help.

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02-01-2010, 10:01 AM
ColombianMax
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insist
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#11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nelsito65

Got it!!!!.. This is my humble contribution to the Org for those of you who are in need of replacing
the Stop Lamp Switch (or brake light switch). (Moderators, feel free to move it to the "How-To's" if
you feel it might be helpful to someone).
I became aware of a malfunctioning Stop Lamp Switch in my car when I began having trouble with
my gear selector being "locked", unable to move from Park, unless I manually depressed the shift
lock. This started happening on rare ocassions, so I paid little attention to it at first. As it was
happening more often, I began to search for information and found out that the culprit was indeed
a defective stop lamp swicth. I also found out that, while I was having this issue, my brake lights
were not working, and I began noticing that cars behind me were stopping dangerously close to my
rear end, since my brake lights were not doing its job of warning them when I was slowing down.
Before getting down to the brake pedal area to meet in person the cause of the trouble, I was
hoping that it was held in place simply by a couple of metal nuts, like many other cars. To my
surprise, it was held by some kind of plastic lock nut. Not being familiar with the mechanism and
procedure involved in removing the switch, I began to request tips on how to remove it. I trully
appreciate the suggestions made by some fellow org members.
Activity: 0%
packaging displaying the part number. At a local Nissan dealer, the price out-the-door, including
taxes, was $37.73.
Since it was a little uncomfortable for me, I removed the plastic cover under the steering wheel so
I can give myself more room to maneuver. Some people may not need to go through this step and
save some time in the process.
The next picture shows the general area where the Stop Lamp and the Automatic Speed Control
Device (ASCD) switches are located. This view is from the driver side floor looking up towards the
dashboard.
5 of 15
1/10/2015 11:59 PM
Slide it through the hole and push it against the stopper attached to the brake pedal, holding the
switch in the same position as the old switch was when it was released.
While pushing the switch against the stopper, turn it 45 degrees, this time in the opposite direction
as the arrow shows in the picture above, in order to secure it in place.
Thank you sir, this definitely should be in the stickies. I have to do this on Thursday for a friend's 5th gen
so now I know what to expect. Approximately how long did it take you to do this? Don't mean to bring an
old thread back but why make a new one..
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02-01-2010, 10:40 AM
6 of 15
#12
1/10/2015 11:59 PM
Nelsito65
Quote:
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Originally Posted by ColombianMax

Thank you sir, this definitely should be in the stickies. I have to do this on Thursday for a
friend's 5th gen so now I know what to expect. Approximately how long did it take you to do
this? Don't mean to bring an old thread back but why make a new one..
I'd say no more than 10 minutes.
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02-01-2010, 03:14 PM
mandyfig
Senior Member
2000 Maxima GLE AT
#13
Thanks for an excellent write up! Nice pics with great instructions! I hope I never have to do this, but
with your DIY, I shall not be afraid.
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04-13-2010, 08:54 AM
#14
MatMax01
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WOW thanks for the detail pics. I have been having this problem for months and though is was a
problem with my park neutral switch. My problem wasn't as bad as yours I would press the brake pedal
and after a minute or more I would be able to hear the click and move out of park. Every time I have a
problem with my Max I just search the org site and find my answer. Keep up the good work everyone. I
have been a member for a lot of years and haven't had a chance to reply to post with any good info
that isn't already there
If anyone is in the market for coil packs go to Autozone Duralast. they are the cheapist and they are
from Nissan. but the Nissan logo and part number are ground off. I tried to post this info but I guess I
don't have enough post to do so. I posted pics in my album to see the comparison.
04-13-2010, 08:10 PM
MatMax01
#15
Maybe not the brake light switch
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I just when out to see if my brake lights were working and they are just fine. When I turn the key to
accessories I hear a click in the shifter console. when I turn on the car I hear it again. Then I put my
foot on the brake (tail lights work fine) I hear the click again. but I can't push in the button on the
shifter. I have to wait a while for the second click in the shifter handle. sometime this waiting could last
two min. Which switch is going bad.
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11-02-2010, 04:15 PM
tristanstewart
Join Date: Jul 2005
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#16
i dont have enough posts to make my own thread so i guess ill post my question here...
my driver side brake light isnt working. all the lights in the taillight function, its just that the red one
doesnt brighten when i press the brake. i replaced the stop light switch today, but that didnt resolve the
issue.
does anybody have any suggestions?
its kinda funny that im listed as "newbie - just registered" even though i registered in 2005....
11-02-2010, 05:20 PM
Nelsito65
#17
Quote:
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7 of 15
Originally Posted by tristanstewart

i dont have enough posts to make my own thread so i guess ill post my question here...
my driver side brake light isnt working. all the lights in the taillight function, its just that the
red one doesnt brighten when i press the brake. i replaced the stop light switch today, but that
didnt resolve the issue.
does anybody have any suggestions?
1/10/2015 11:59 PM

Activity: 0%
its kinda funny that im listed as "newbie - just registered" even though i registered in 2005....
I'm going to put it out there, just in case, but is it safe to assume that you already tried replacing that
bulb, or at least tried switching that bulb with the one on the passenger side?
By the way, newbie status is determined by the number of posts you have, regardless of when you
registered.
Also, just so you know, there is a thread for those who can't create one yet, but need to post
questions:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...on-thread.html
EDIT: If you brake light switch was the problem, none of your brake lights would've worked properly,
not just one.
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Last edited by Nelsito65; 11-02-2010 at 06:08 PM..
11-03-2010, 03:06 PM
tristanstewart
Join Date: Jul 2005
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#18
Quote:

I'm going to put it out there, just in case, but is it safe to assume that you already tried
replacing that bulb, or at least tried switching that bulb with the one on the passenger side?
By the way, newbie status is determined by the number of posts you have, regardless of when
you registered.
Also, just so you know, there is a thread for those who can't create one yet, but need to post
questions:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...on-thread.html
EDIT: If you brake light switch was the problem, none of your brake lights would've worked
properly, not just one.
i checked them before and they worked. so i thought the problem was intermittent and figured it was
something else. thats when i found this. but i checked them again and the bulb is in fact bad. kinda
sucks because i dont have the stock tailights and had to order bulbs.
as for the newbie status thing...im aware of that, i was more referring to how long ive been on this
forum without a single post. thanks for pointing out the other thread.
EDIT: i was replying based on the email i got so i just saw what you said about the switch controlling all
lights. sure, it wouldve been nice to know that earlier and all, but i got some experience actually doing
something car related. i feel a bit more manly now.
Last edited by tristanstewart; 11-03-2010 at 03:10 PM..
06-16-2011, 01:48 PM
jmdcars
#19
AWESOME posting with gr8 details.........

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Quote:

Got it!!!!.. This is my humble contribution to the Org for those of you who are in need of replacing
the Stop Lamp Switch (or brake light switch). (Moderators, feel free to move it to the "How-To's" if
you feel it might be helpful to someone).
I became aware of a malfunctioning Stop Lamp Switch in my car when I began having trouble with
my gear selector being "locked", unable to move from Park, unless I manually depressed the shift
lock. This started happening on rare ocassions, so I paid little attention to it at first. As it was
happening more often, I began to search for information and found out that the culprit was indeed
a defective stop lamp swicth. I also found out that, while I was having this issue, my brake lights
were not working, and I began noticing that cars behind me were stopping dangerously close to my
rear end, since my brake lights were not doing its job of warning them when I was slowing down.
Before getting down to the brake pedal area to meet in person the cause of the trouble, I was
hoping that it was held in place simply by a couple of metal nuts, like many other cars. To my
surprise, it was held by some kind of plastic lock nut. Not being familiar with the mechanism and
procedure involved in removing the switch, I began to request tips on how to remove it. I trully
appreciate the suggestions made by some fellow org members.
packaging displaying the part number. At a local Nissan dealer, the price out-the-door, including
taxes, was $37.73.
8 of 15
1/10/2015 11:59 PM
Since it was a little uncomfortable for me, I removed the plastic cover under the steering wheel so
I can give myself more room to maneuver. Some people may not need to go through this step and
save some time in the process.
The next picture shows the general area where the Stop Lamp and the Automatic Speed Control
Device (ASCD) switches are located. This view is from the driver side floor looking up towards the
dashboard.
Slide it through the hole and push it against the stopper attached to the brake pedal, holding the
switch in the same position as the old switch was when it was released.
While pushing the switch against the stopper, turn it 45 degrees, this time in the opposite direction
as the arrow shows in the picture above, in order to secure it in place.
01-16-2012, 12:11 PM
9 of 15
#20
1/10/2015 11:59 PM
CARLOS9827
Member
2003 Maxima SE
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
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Posts: 171
Wow I just wanted to say THANK YOU for this. I almost broke my back (literally)...trying to figure out
where the damn brake switch was and once I came across this thread you made everything a lot easier.
Thanks for the Pics too!
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01-26-2012, 07:08 PM
quark4
#21
Wow! Perfect instructions
Let's hear it for Nelsito65 who posted such lucid and detailed instructions. You should write a DIY
book, my mate. I know I'll buy it.
Join Date: Jan 2012

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01-26-2012, 08:16 PM
Nelsito65
Senior Member
2003 Nissan Maxima
#22
Thank you guys; appreciate the encouraging feedback. I'm sure very glad that this modest write-up
has helped a few of you tackle the brake light switch.
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01-27-2012, 09:48 AM
DennisMik
Senior Member
#23
Sometimes something we might think of as a simple little thing will drive us crazy. Having a "how to"
like you have done is really great. Thanks.

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03-15-2012, 04:52 PM
tinmanjuggernaut
#24
Quote:

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Got it!!!!.. This is my humble contribution to the Org for those of you who are in need of
replacing the Stop Lamp Switch (or brake light switch).
Thank you sir! I had error code P1572 ASCD Brake Switch on my 2002 Maxima (Cruise control cancel).
Because of your tutorial, I figured out the part I needed to replace, ordered it and swapped it out. I
mistakenly turned it in the wrong direction and it wouldn't come out. (Even with a wrench
). But
when I turned it the correct way, it popped out just as described.
Your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Cory
08-03-2012, 04:47 PM
Scott LaRock
Senior Member
#25
The brake light switch is black and not brown?

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08-03-2012, 07:49 PM
Nelsito65
Senior Member
#26
At least the one I got from Nissan and the defective one in my car were.
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10-05-2012, 07:18 AM
shawnmos
#27
Is this part similar on a 97? I have the opposite problem, my brake lights won't turn off. I had to
unplug the switch so the battery wouldn't run down. The car has been sitting for 1.5years so i think the
rubber stopper dry rotten. I was wondering if just that piece can be fixed.
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10-05-2012, 11:31 AM
DennisMik
Senior Member
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#28
It is the same concept but the 4th gen has a 1/4 inch thick metal bar welded to the brake pedal instead
of little tabs that the 5th gen uses. But the 4th gen uses these rubber bumpers to make contact with
the switch.
You can get the bumpers at the dealer or some people have used JB Weld to glue a penny on the brake
arm. Either way, when you are done, the plunger of the switch will still have a little bit of movement
when the brake pedal is not being depressed. If the switch doesn't have any movement, that means
the pedal is resting all its weight on the switch and this will destroy the switch.
Last edited by DennisMik; 10-05-2012 at 11:36 AM..
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04-07-2013, 01:35 PM
FrankCastro
#29
Brakes are not responding after replacing rubber stopper.
Hello everyone, I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima.

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The other day I realized my brake lights were on after I had turned off my car and had gotten out. I
found a broken stopper for the brake light switch and pulled the fuse when I got home, so I didn't drain
the battery. Fast forward to after I replaced the stopper I had gotten from a dealership, and now the
brake lights are not working at all. I had initially gotten a size to big from the dealerships parts
department, which I installed and then had to cut out because the switch would never be able to
release the plunger. I didn't put the switch back into place because the simply wasn't enough space too.
Not really sure what could be causing this since I had put the fuse back in and even swapped out the
cig lighter fuse which is also a 15 amp fuse. Unless just twisting the switch out of it's harness caused it
to break. I never disconnected it from the wiring, just popped the stopper in and put the switch back in
place.
I should mention the drivers brake light was out when the lights would not turn off. I replaced the bulb
after replacing the stopper, but since all of them stopped working I don't know if that was why it was
out.
Any ideas?
Also, in case anyone else has to put the stopper in, I found a good way to do it is to tape plastic
cards(like an old gift card) together and then put a sticky layer of tape down to hold the stopper to the
card. This allows you to slide into place and then release the brake pedal down onto it. Might need a
little bit of effort to get it in fully.
04-07-2013, 04:14 PM
DennisMik
Senior Member
2000 GLE
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Plano, TX
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#30
Normally the switch having a problem and a burned out bulb are 2 totally separate problems. I suggest
you remove the new bulb that you put in check the fuse for the brake lights and see if the other brake
lights work. Every once in a while you get a bad bulb.
If the brake lights still don't work, remove the brake light switch from the holder and operate it by
hand. If the brake lights work like this, re-install the switch being careful that you don't push it too far
in.
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04-12-2013, 06:43 PM
The Maxima
Member
2001 Nissan Maxima
#31
Sorry to resurrect such an old problem, but I'm currently sitting in the garage with my Maxima having
the same problem. My rubber seal is still on, so it must be the switch. I've tried turning the switch to
take it out as hard as I can, but I simply can't get it out. Oh well. I'll just have to disconnect the battery
and take it into the shop tomorrow.
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11 of 15
1/10/2015 11:59 PM
04-12-2013, 06:48 PM
The Maxima
Member
#32
Holy crap I just realized I was pulling the wrong switch all along. I pulled the all black one and it came
right out. I'm so done right now.

2001 Nissan Maxima
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10-25-2013, 07:45 AM
StanStanMD
#33
More than just a Brake Light sometimes

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Nelsito65, your instructions are great. I have a 2002 Infiniti Q45 and your clear instructions were 100%
applicable and saved me a lot of time and money. Much appreciated!
What was crazy about the issue was that as I was driving along, my TSC, VSC, Slip, and ABS lights all
came on. When I stopped the car, I could only shift into Neutral and Drive. I couldn't shift into reverse
or park, or remove the key
. Although, I could turn off the car and restart it in neutral. My brake
lights also stopped working. Pushing the shift lock release on the shifter console didn't help.
Anyway, I replaced the brake light switch for $40 using an adjustable wrench in 5 minutes with the help
of your instructions. That resolved the warning lights, enabled the brake lights, and released the shifter.
Now if you have a solution for burning oil like an old factory, let me know!
11-16-2013, 11:12 AM
Lontar1
Puerto Rico-Maxima Lover
#34
Going to bring this one on again. My rear light are on all the time after replacing the driver side stop
light. Had to remove the fuse not to drain the battery. What could cause the light to be on all the time?
The switch, the stoppers? I need to fix this fast, hate to be putting the fuse on and off until I can fix it.
Anyway to determine which one is bad? Like I said, I just replace the driver side bulb which was bad
and now they are on all the time even with the car been off. Thanks in advance
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Quote of the Year.....!!!!
djfrestyl - The noobosity is high in this thread.
11-16-2013, 12:43 PM
Nelsito65
#35
Quote:
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12 of 15
Originally Posted by Lontar1

Going to bring this one on again. My rear light are on all the time after replacing the driver side
stop light. Had to remove the fuse not to drain the battery. What could cause the light to be on
all the time? The switch, the stoppers? I need to fix this fast, hate to be putting the fuse on and
off until I can fix it. Anyway to determine which one is bad? Like I said, I just replace the driver
side bulb which was bad and now they are on all the time even with the car been off. Thanks in
advance
I wonder if the "piston" portion, on the brake light switch, is stuck in the depressed position causing the
brake lights to be on all the time, as if you were pushing on the brake pedal. If you haven't tried it yet,
you might want to take a closer look at that part.
I'm referring to the tip that comes out of the left part in the picture below:
1/10/2015 11:59 PM
Never mind the "depressed" part; that piston is supposed to be depressed all the time unless you're
stepping on the brake.
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Last edited by Nelsito65; 11-16-2013 at 12:52 PM..
11-16-2013, 12:52 PM
Lontar1
#36
Checked the switch and its a broken stopper. Funny, thy want 5 bucks for a piece is rubber... you got to
be kidding me. Oh well, going to order it on Monday
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11-16-2013, 12:55 PM
Nelsito65
#37
Quote:
Senior Member
2003 Nissan Maxima
Originally Posted by Lontar1

Checked the switch and its a broken stopper. Funny, thy want 5 bucks for a piece is rubber...
you got to be kidding me. Oh well, going to order it on Monday
My Garage
2003 Maxima SE TE
Join Date: Aug 2008
iTrader: (0)
Posts: 896
I thought about the stopper after I posted the reply. That allows the piston to freely stick out all the
way,causing the switch to "read" as if you are applying the brakes.
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11-17-2013, 05:25 PM
Lontar1
13 of 15
#38
Got an easy fix on the stopper. Glue together 5 pieces of plastic and then, JB weld it to the metal
harness. Problem fixed for now until I get the part I ordered.
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1/10/2015 11:59 PM
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03-08-2014, 04:29 PM
#39
Stop lamp replacement on a 2000 I30 / Maxima
raincity
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2000 I30
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Location: Pacific Northwest
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Posts: 29
These pictures were extremely helpful but on my 2000 I30 the crowded area around the brake light
switch made it pretty much impossible to get a grip on, either with tools or with my hand. The solution
that worked was removing the cruise control switch to create enough clearance to access the brake
light switch. Once that was done I was able to get a grip on the brake light switch with a pliers and
twist it. Snapping them both back into place was very easy.
Activity: 1.1%
10-15-2014, 01:25 PM
20th_Anniv. Max
#40
Thank you very much for the informative instructions on changing the brake light switch. What was
seemingly an easy part swap-out, turned into a difficult project unless you are a small framed
individual...which I am not!
Join Date: Jun 2013

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I dropped the dash panel for better access which helped and pulled out the cruise control switch (brown
capped connector). Although I could barely see the brake light switch due to the steering column and
very tight quarters, I was able to feel my way thru and made the swap.
Activity: 4.2%
A couple things to keep in mind when changing out the switch:

1. Using long needle nose pliers to loosen the switch(s) and turning counter clockwise to remove is
much easier than by hand
2. Don't confuse the brake light switch with the cruise control switch (brown connector housing on
end).
Found my brake light switch at AutoZone for $30.
10-15-2014, 01:25 PM
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Nissan Maxima - Brake Light Switch Replacement

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Originally Posted by andrew629

Thanks. I'm glad this write-up can be of help.

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Originally Posted by Nelsito65

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Need help removing brake light switch - Maxima Forums

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Originally Posted by Nelsito65

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Originally Posted by Nelsito65

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book, my mate. I know I'll buy it.

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Originally Posted by Nelsito65

The brake light switch is black and not brown?

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2003 Nissan Maxima

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Hello everyone, I have a 2002 Nissan Maxima.

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Originally Posted by Lontar1

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Originally Posted by Lontar1

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A couple things to keep in mind when changing out the switch:

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