Brake light switch stoppers keep brake lights from turning on. So whenever the stopper gets damaged and broken, the brake lights stay permanently switched on. In that instance, you may either repair or replace the switch.
However, To replace the switch stopper on the Honda Accord, you will have to carefully separate the brake light switch from the switch stopper, clean the debris, and then install the new stopper replacement.
Below we take a look at some of the common symptoms that the brake light switch stopper is in need of a replacement as well as the step-by-step process of replacing the switch stopper.
How Do You Know If Your Honda Accord Brake Light Switch Stopper Is Bad?
To determine whether the Honda Accord brake light switch is damaged or failing to the point of needing replacement, you will have to look for several symptoms.
Following are some of the most common symptoms that the Honda Accord Brake Light Switch Stopper is failing and will need replacement.
1. Brake Lights Stay On Continuously
One of the most enduring signs of a failing brake light switch stopper is that the brake lights stay turned on indefinitely.
When you put your foot on the brake pedal, the brake light switch loses contact with the switch stopper and the brake lights turn on. Otherwise, as long as the stopper is in contact, the brake lights remain turned off.
So when the stopper is damaged or fails, the brake lights do not turn off. Now you should be aware that if the brake lights are permanently on, then there might be other factors that might be the cause. For example, if there is an electrical short circuit, the same problem can also ensue.
2. Shards Of Plastic From The Stopper
Another obvious sign of the brake light switch stopper being faulty and requiring replacement is the presence of shards of plastic below the brake pedal.
The brake light switch stopper is built from plastic. As long as the stopper is in place, the brake switch will not be pressed. As you put your foot on the brake pedal, the stopper is separated from the switch.
And this results in the brake lights turning on. But over time, as the stopper gets old, it becomes very brittle and then it eventually starts breaking off into small pieces.
When this happens, you will need a replacement.
3. Poor Cruise Control
The Honda Accord is equipped with cruise control functionality. Like many vehicles, this one also shares the same switch with the rear brakes. So whenever there is a problem with the brake light switch, the same happens with the cruise control.
So if the cruise control is not performing as expected, then it is likely due to an issue with the brake light switch or switch stopper, although that is not the only factor that causes the problem.
You should first check whether there is a burnt fuse or malfunctioning speed sensor to confirm that the problem lies with the brake light switch and switch stopper.
4. Abs Warning Light Comes On
Another sign that you must look out for is whether the ABS light on the dashboard is illuminated as this indicates an issue with the anti-lock brake system.
Now you must be aware that the ABS warning light turning on may point to one of several issues:
- Depleted amount of brake fluid
- Damaged or malfunctioning ABS control module
- Damaged or malfunctioning brake light switch/brake light switch stopper
How To Replace Honda Accord Brake Light Switch Stopper?
Before you follow the below steps to replace the Honda Accord brake light switch stopper, make sure to take adequate precautions by disconnecting the negative terminal first.
Step 1: Access the brake light switch stopper
To access the brake light switch stopper, you have to remove the panel above the brake pedal. Use a screwdriver to remove the bolts holding the panel intact.
Step 2: Push on the brake pedal
Put your foot on the brake pedal and maintain this state until the switch stopper replacement process is complete.
The rubber brake switch stopper is attached to the brake pedal level. When you are not pressing the brake pedal, the stopper is in full contact with the switch, which prevents the brake lights from turning on.
But as you press on the pedal, the brake pedal lever pulls the switch stopper away from the switch, and then the brake lights turn on.
Step 3: Check if there is any bit of the deteriorated rubber stopper remaining
When the rubber switch stopper deteriorates or breaks into pieces, the switch stays on indefinitely as there isn’t enough rubber stopper contact to prevent the lights from turning on.
So as your foot is pressing on the brake pedal, slowly pull the remaining part of the rubber stopper (if there is any) off the brake pedal lever.
Step 4: Install a new brake light switch stopper
Take a new rubber switch stopper with the exact dimensions as the old one and put it on the brake pedal lever where the old one used to be
Step 5: Release The Brake
Take your foot off the pedal and the brake light switch will immediately get attached to the switch stopper.
Step 6: Test Whether The Process Worked
To check whether the process worked, press on the pedal and then release the pedal in turns to check whether the brake light is turning both on and off.
What Is the Cost of Replacing the AC Compressor in a Honda Accord?
The cost of honda accord ac compressor replacement can vary depending on factors like labor costs and the specific model year of the car. On average, it can range from $500 to $1000, excluding any additional repairs or parts. It is crucial to consult a trusted mechanic or dealership to get an accurate estimate for your Honda Accord model.
FAQs
Replacing the Honda Accord switch often requires careful management, so many users will have questions in their minds regarding this. Here we look at the most commonly asked questions by users.
Where Is The Honda Accord Brake Light Switch Stopper Located?
The brake light switch can be found below the dashboard on the top of the brake lever pad. The brake light switch stopper will be attached to the switch.
What Happens If You Remove The Honda Accord Brake Light Switch Stopper?
The job of the brake light switch stopper is to act as a deterrent for the brake light turning on i.e. it prevents the rear brake lights from turning on.
So if you remove the stopper from the switch, you will find that the rear lights will be permanently illuminated.
How Long Does The Honda Accord Brake Light Switch Stopper Last?
While the brake light switch can last as long as the duration of the vehicle’s life, the brake light switch stopper must be replaced every 10 years.
Does The Honda Accord Brake Light Switch Control The Gear Shift?
The Honda Accord brake light switch can affect the gear shift. It also can control the Anti-Lock Brake System and cruise control.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Honda Accord Brake Switch Stopper?
The cost of a new brake light switch stopper ranges from $6 to $20.
Conclusion
What you can take away from this article is that you will need to replace the Honda Accord brake light switch stopper at least once every 7-10 years.
If you do not replace the stopper once it gets old, you put yourself at risk of road accidents resulting from misunderstandings between drivers on the road.
Moreover, if the brake lights remain turned on indefinitely, the bulbs will deteriorate quicker and then you might find yourself on the road with the brake lights not working, which is very risky at nighttime.