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Pontiac Tempest Brake Light Switch Replacement at your home or office.

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Brake Light Switch Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Light Switch Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Pontiac Tempest Brake Light Switch Replacement is $162 with $22 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
1991 Pontiac TempestL4-2.2LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$199.52Shop/Dealer Price$214.25 - $250.34
1991 Pontiac TempestV6-3.1LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$190.51Shop/Dealer Price$203.47 - $238.24
1990 Pontiac TempestV6-3.1LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$190.51Shop/Dealer Price$203.50 - $238.28
1990 Pontiac TempestL4-2.2LService typeBrake Light Switch ReplacementEstimate$190.51Shop/Dealer Price$203.50 - $238.28
Show example Pontiac Tempest 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.

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Number of Pontiac Brake Light Switch Replacement services completed
55+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Pontiac MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform
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Meet some of our expert Pontiac mechanics

Real customer reviews from Pontiac owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(5)
Rating Summary
5
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5
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Chris

23 years of experience
2372 reviews
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Chris
23 years of experience
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by Harald
Pontiac Tempest V8-5.3L - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Laguna Niguel, California
Chris did a great job inspecting the vehicle, I live in GA and wanted to purchase a car in CA so I needed an unbiased third party to look at it for me. My primary concern was that the car was represented accurately in the online ad (there are a lot of scams online now), which he did, we had a great conversation after the inspection which did a lot to comfort my concerns. This was a "project" car and needed to be evaluated accordingly, it was something that I had planned on doing a restoration on so I knew it needed some work. My only critique is that when the car was delivered there was a little more rust than I had expected, I wish that he had pointed that out, I accept some of the responsibility for not asking enough questions during our conversation. Overall I am extremely happy with the inspection service and would highly recommend Chris .

H

27 years of experience
828 reviews
Request H
H
27 years of experience
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by John
Pontiac Tempest L6-3.8L - Brakes, Steering and Suspension Inspection - Los Altos, California
On time. A true gentleman. Skilled with cars that date over many years. He knows older cars including many classics. Younger mechanics probably would know know a thing about a 4BBL Carburetor. One can see that he has a true love of cars & the work he does. This is only one experience so I would hope to see him back when needed.

Matthew

34 years of experience
1438 reviews
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Matthew
34 years of experience
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by Kent
Pontiac Solstice L4-2.0L Turbo - Brake Light Switch - Williamsburg, Virginia
Matthew was amazing. He knows his stuff completely. He arrived early and knew just what to do. He has all the high tech electronic gear needed for the task. The part was in a difficult awkward position under the dash and he managed with great skill. He expertly advised me on an unrelated issue and was able to solve that problem as well Added to all that he is a friendly and good natured gentleman who was a pleasure to meet. I very highly recommend him for your automotive repair needs.

Neal

13 years of experience
20 reviews
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Neal
13 years of experience
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by David
Pontiac Grand Am L4-2.4L - Brake Light Switch Replacement - Tampa, Florida
Neal arrived on time and got to work right away. My car needed a couple of bulbs and he went to the store and got them. My brake lights were fixed and a recommendation was given for another part that I may need in the future. This was the best service I have received from any mechanic and would highly recommend him to others. Even though this was a fairly easy job to replace a brake light switch I needed someone who knew what he was doing and the price I could have paid at a dealer was more than 3 times as much.

Excellent Rating

(5)
Rating Summary
5
0
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
Number of Pontiac Brake Light Switch Replacement services completed
55+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Pontiac MECHANICS
800+
experts on our platform
Yourmechanic was featured in

New York Times NBC CBS Forbes INC Tech Crunch

Learn more about us

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