Disclaimer
The community here at 355nation.net urges you to please use caution and seek professional assistance when performing modifications to your vehicle. Before attempting any modification it is advised that you refer to your Colorado or Canyon service manual or contact a certified mechanic as not all GMT355 trucks are the same. The staff and the associated members are in no way responsible for any damages, injuries or other harm inflicted to your vehicle or yourself which may result in attempting these modifications. The posts and content presented on this site reflect in no way the views of 355nation.net or it’s ownership.
A 355nation How To presented by
J-Bo
Project Name
How-to repair brake switch
Project Description
Repairing the dreaded dead brake switch with very little effort
Skill Level
Low
Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2005
Engine: 3.5L
Tools Needed
Sand paper
Project Time
10 minutes or less
Project Cost
Sand paper
When the brake switch fails, your brake lights stop working along with other related items including the cruise control.
Yes GM has issued another recall on the good ole brake switch again. (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V310000) 2004 and 2006 year models.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...list=RQ09001&ModuleType=Vehicles&type=VEHICLE
I had mine replaced under recall back in 2007 shortly after I bought the truck. Now in September 2009 it died again. I would normally take it to the dealership and have them replace the switch as most of you should. However I rely heavily on my truck for my job. So I needed a fix this weekend. I pulled the one from the brake lever in my truck and took it apart.
This corrected my problem. Basically the contacts in the switch had built up too much carbon scoring to allow proper conduction of electricity. The fact they had too much carbon build up is why they are under recall. The newer switches most likely use a different contact metal to prevent this issue. (We hope)
Some of you guys may not be so lucky. If the contacts are in too bad of shape, you may need to replace the switch. I advise that even if you clean yours up and get it working to take it to the dealership and have them replace the switch under the second recall.
For now, I am up and running with working brake lights!
The community here at 355nation.net urges you to please use caution and seek professional assistance when performing modifications to your vehicle. Before attempting any modification it is advised that you refer to your Colorado or Canyon service manual or contact a certified mechanic as not all GMT355 trucks are the same. The staff and the associated members are in no way responsible for any damages, injuries or other harm inflicted to your vehicle or yourself which may result in attempting these modifications. The posts and content presented on this site reflect in no way the views of 355nation.net or it’s ownership.
A 355nation How To presented by
J-Bo
Project Name
How-to repair brake switch
Project Description
Repairing the dreaded dead brake switch with very little effort
Skill Level
Low
Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2005
Engine: 3.5L
Tools Needed
Sand paper
Project Time
10 minutes or less
Project Cost
Sand paper
When the brake switch fails, your brake lights stop working along with other related items including the cruise control.
Yes GM has issued another recall on the good ole brake switch again. (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V310000) 2004 and 2006 year models.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/p...list=RQ09001&ModuleType=Vehicles&type=VEHICLE
I had mine replaced under recall back in 2007 shortly after I bought the truck. Now in September 2009 it died again. I would normally take it to the dealership and have them replace the switch as most of you should. However I rely heavily on my truck for my job. So I needed a fix this weekend. I pulled the one from the brake lever in my truck and took it apart.
- Disconnect the battery
- Press the brake pedal with your hand and twist the switch (the larger of the two), then pull it out.
- Disconnect the lead going into the switch.
- Seperate the two halves, exposing the contacts and freeing the spring inside. (Careful not to lose the spring) (leave the push pin inside in the depressed position)
- Pull the thicker of the two leads out. (not the copper one) You may need to bend the copper lead back (a small amount) to allow the primary lead room to pull out. Notice the lump on one side. It may have carbon built up on it, causing it to not make good contact to the copper lead.
- Now pull the copper lead out and notice the v folded piece has a metal lump as a contact that rubs the primary contact to complete the circuit that allows your brake lights to burn. This piece is most likely blackend as well and or even somewhat melted.
- Sand both contacts lightly to remove any buildup that may cause it to not make good contact.
- Apply a small amount of dieletric grease to both contacts to reduce carbon build up.
- Reassemble the switch in reverse order.
This corrected my problem. Basically the contacts in the switch had built up too much carbon scoring to allow proper conduction of electricity. The fact they had too much carbon build up is why they are under recall. The newer switches most likely use a different contact metal to prevent this issue. (We hope)
Some of you guys may not be so lucky. If the contacts are in too bad of shape, you may need to replace the switch. I advise that even if you clean yours up and get it working to take it to the dealership and have them replace the switch under the second recall.
For now, I am up and running with working brake lights!