brake switch removal

[DJ4180]

Hello everyone. I have posted before with my problem with the brake lights on my 99 ls. Now knowing the brake switch is bad I have a new one and a new retaining clip. But I just came seem to get my hands in there to get it is there something I am missing or something that can be taken off? I can see the switch being the steering column. And can reach it from the forward most part in the cab. But can only get my fingers barely on it. Every thING I'm finding says this is a quick and easy replace. So I must be missing something. Thanks in advance

 

[MO Viet Vet]

For under dash work it is best to be a small person. I am 6'4" tall and 290 lbs. and I have problems, as you are having, when I go under the dash. I have had to change those switches with one hand. The key is the retainer clip removal. Look at the new one you have and then look at the old one and see how to remove it. The reason you got a new one is that you will likely destroy the old clip when getting it off. I have had to use picks and pointed screw drivers that I ground down to a point. Pry it off or look at the new and see what you have to do to install it and do that in reverse to the old. It can very much be a PITA.

 

[DJ4180]

Yea I'm 6'6 280lbs. So I see what you mean. Just not sure being smaller would help me all the much. Seems like I need some real long very precise tools to get in there idk. Just no room to work with your hands down there. You can't access it from where you need to and can see it.

 

[DJ4180]

Also the clip that is on there looks like some kind of special zip tie. So breaking it off is really the only option

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Agree. Do you have a mechanically inclined smallish friend? Is there a cover you need to remove under there for better look see? I have had to remove covers before that took about 1 hour to take off and put back on that allowed me to do a 2 minute part replacement. PITA.

 

[DJ4180]

No covercovers under there that I can see that would need to be removed. Only thing that's really in the way is the steering column. If I can figure out how to upload a photo here I will

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Can you remove any cover under the bottom of column and then see where the column bolts up under there and loosen the attaching bolts/nuts and let it drop and dangle for more room?

 

[DJ4180]

This is what I'm looking at

 

[MO Viet Vet]

Yea, that yoke that attaches at the column is held by those nuts. Remove and let it drop down a bit. Probably more attaching bolts/nuts as you move from there and get closer to the dash.

 

[DJ4180]

Ok I got the switch changed. But still no brake lights. Now I'm just aggravated. Any where else to check

 

[MO Viet Vet]

How did you determine the brake light switch was bad?

 

[lesterl]

Yeah, you got power on one side of brake light switch? Got power on White wire to the Turn Signal switch with brakes applied? Power at brake lights?

 

[DJ4180]

Wanted to update you guys on this. I gave up and took it to a mechanic. Turns out a brake wire was severed halfway up the chassis. Ran a new line and all is working as it should. Thanks guys for your suggestions and ideas

 

[lesterl]

Thats one way to figure it out.... glad ya figured it out...