Ford Explorer Brake Light Switch Replacement Costs

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

See availability

Customer Ratings

Brake Light Switch Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Light Switch Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Explorer Brake Light Switch Replacement is $115 with $20 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2017 Ford ExplorerL4-2.3L Turbo	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$172.01	Shop/Dealer Price$196.27 - $246.53
2000 Ford ExplorerV8-5.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$162.41	Shop/Dealer Price$189.28 - $247.36
2004 Ford ExplorerV8-4.6L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$162.41	Shop/Dealer Price$189.28 - $247.36
2017 Ford ExplorerV6-3.5L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$152.01	Shop/Dealer Price$176.26 - $226.52
2015 Ford ExplorerL4-2.0L Turbo	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$178.39	Shop/Dealer Price$209.27 - $279.35
1998 Ford ExplorerV6-4.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$167.83	Shop/Dealer Price$196.06 - $258.20
2000 Ford ExplorerV6-4.0L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$167.41	Shop/Dealer Price$194.15 - $252.12
2008 Ford ExplorerV8-4.6L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$148.37	Shop/Dealer Price$170.72 - $214.70

Show example Ford Explorer Brake Light Switch Replacement prices

What is the brake light switch and how does it work?

The brake light switch is a mechanical switch activated when you press the brake pedal. The switch has a plunger in it that contacts a lever in the brake pedal assembly. As that plunger is depressed when you push on the brake pedal, the contacts in the brake light switch closed and voltage flows to the brake lights — turning them on. The brake light switch is also in the circuit that controls the cruise control disengagement and the shift interlock safety feature installed on all newer cars. Failure of the brake light switch occurs due to wear on the internal electrical contacts in the switch, poor switch terminal connections, maladjustment of the switch, or damage to the brake pedal assembly.

When to consider replacing the brake light switch?

No brake lights. If depressing the brake pedal does not cause any of the brake lights to illuminate, the continuity of the switch will be tested. If only one brake light is out, then the issue is not the switch but rather the bulb, bulb socket or brake light circuit integrity.
Unable to shift out of park. The brake light switch is also wired into the shift interlock mechanism. If you are unable to shift out of park, with your foot on the brake, check to see if the brake lights will illuminate as you push the pedal. If they do not illuminate, failure of the brake light switch may be the cause of the no shift.
Intermittent operation of the brake lights or late operation. The brake light switch has to be in the proper position, and work consistently if the brake lights are to come on the instant you press the brake pedal. The switch can sometimes require adjustment, or the contacts may degrade, causing inconsistent operation of the switch.

How do mechanics replace the brake light switch?

The switch is first tested using a multimeter, including the terminal contacts to the switch, to determine if it is faulty. If the switch is functioning, the entire circuit must be tested to determine the cause of no brake lights.
Should the switch be judged defective, the switch is unthreaded from the mounting boss near the brake pedal assembly.
The new switch is threaded in and locked with an appropriate locknut once the new switch is properly adjusted.
The operation of the switch is tested to ensure instant illumination of the brake lights upon pressing the brake pedal.

Is it safe to drive with a brake light switch problem?

No. Should the brake light switch have failed, it is unsafe to drive the vehicle because drivers behind you will have no indication that you are slowing, intend to slow, or are stopped. Always address a failure of this type promptly to ensure your safety while driving.

When replacing the brake light switch keep in mind:

The mechanic will test the brake light switch directly to ensure that the issue is not elsewhere in the brake light circuit.
Occasionally, the issue is a maladjusted switch or a loose contact, and the mechanic can resolve the problem without switch replacement.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee

Meet some of our expert Ford mechanics

Real customer reviews from Ford owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(6)

Rating Summary

6

0

0

0

0

6

0

0

0

0

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Jonathan

30 years of experience

503 reviews

Request Jonathan

Jonathan

30 years of experience

Request Jonathan

by Daria Murphy

Explorer 2004 - Brake Light Switch - Tarpon Springs, FL

I was so happy with my experience with Jonathan! He was prompt, polite, friendly, knowledgeable, quick and honest. Top notch !

Clifton

25 years of experience

335 reviews

Request Clifton

Clifton

25 years of experience

Request Clifton

by Dan Burden

Explorer 2003 - Brake Light Switch - West Palm Beach, FL

Great service!

Devin

6 years of experience

15 reviews

Devin

6 years of experience

by Alexander Quiles Ramos

Explorer 2002 - Car is not starting - Lake Wales, FL

Mechanic was on time, he was friendly and professional.

Robert

15 years of experience

49 reviews

Robert

15 years of experience

by Lee Kirbach

Explorer 2002 - Car is not starting - Lafayette, CA

On time, polite, knowelgable

Excellent Rating

(6)

Rating Summary

6

0

0

0

0

6

0

0

0

0

SEE REVIEWS NEAR ME

Recent articles & questions

How Rims Work and Why They Matter

Buying new car rims can change how your car drives. Correct wheel fitment will help ensure that your car wheels will be compatible with your vehicle.

How Long Does an Oil Return Hose Last?

For For a driver that is looking for more performance and speed, choosing a car with a turbo system is just what they need. The turbo systems that come with most cars give it a boost when needed. Just like...

How Far Can You Drive Your Vehicle on Empty?

Knowing how many miles you can drive on an empty gas tank prevents getting stranded. Nissan Altimas can go the farthest when the low fuel light is on.

Car starts, but makes clicking noise

Sounds like your car is in need of some attention. If the clicking sound is mainly when you turn the wheel it might be your cv joint. CV joints are what connect your tire to the transmission. The joint itself...

Car window stuck down half way

Hi. When you push the window switch, power flows to a the corresponding window motor. The motor then raises/lowers the regulator, which is a scissor-type lift that attaches to the window. The power window motors and regulators are known for...

Changed the oil sensor an the car sounds an drives fine but when i rev an take my foot off the gas oil psi drops almost to 0

Although there is some variance across engine types, minimum oil pressure at idle is typically fairly low to begin with, typically in the range of 4 to 10 PSI. If idle speed drops below normal, so will oil pressure. Gauge...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com