Ford Thunderbird Brake Light Switch Replacement Costs

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Brake Light Switch Replacement Service

How much does a Brake Light Switch Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Ford Thunderbird Brake Light Switch Replacement is $155 with $15 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
1992 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$185.86	Shop/Dealer Price$197.18 - $223.02
2002 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$175.23	Shop/Dealer Price$184.37 - $207.68
1991 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$176.85	Shop/Dealer Price$186.42 - $210.96
2005 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$175.23	Shop/Dealer Price$184.40 - $207.72
1995 Ford ThunderbirdV8-4.6L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$176.85	Shop/Dealer Price$187.90 - $213.54
1996 Ford ThunderbirdV6-3.8L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$176.85	Shop/Dealer Price$186.56 - $211.21
2004 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$175.23	Shop/Dealer Price$184.41 - $207.75
2003 Ford ThunderbirdV8-3.9L	Service typeBrake Light Switch Replacement	Estimate$175.23	Shop/Dealer Price$184.40 - $207.72

Show example Ford Thunderbird 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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Adam

16 years of experience

142 reviews

Adam

16 years of experience

by stuart gold

Thunderbird 2002 - Power Steering Pump - Boca Raton, FL

Adams professionalism, mechanical and diagnostic knowledge are additionally part of the toolkit he possesses, his customer service skills and honesty were an apparent part of his DNA. Will definitely use him again.

Adam

16 years of experience

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Adam

16 years of experience

by Curtis Simpson

Thunderbird 2002 - Tire Rotation - Boca Raton, FL

Very knowledgeable

Josh

14 years of experience

69 reviews

Josh

14 years of experience

by john L Weiss

Thunderbird 2004 - Oil Change - Naples, FL

Josh was on time, stayed until he completed the job, very knowledgable. He pointed out that the also need a oil change, came back and completed that job. Very nice young man.

Kevin

20 years of experience

478 reviews

Kevin

20 years of experience

by Alan Lakin

Thunderbird 2003 - Car won't exceed a low speed or shift up - Lawrenceville, GA

Very professional and friendly service. I highly recommend him.

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