Thank you for taking the time to film this. This is the best footage so far that I've found for this job and it taught me a lot. I'm now ready to tackle the job.
You're one of the very few that shows how to put the clip back on. I'm trying to do the exact same thing but even though I've got skinny forearms, I cannot get my hand around the steering column like you did. I'm at a dead end not knowing how I'll ever get the clip back on, but thanks for your video that shows a cramped/crowded setup like mine.
Great video, I done , this today.,,clip was the hardest for me,but I finally got it done. Thanks for your explaining and showing details . Have a good one. 👍
Wholly crap! You have the best video on this! Everyone else sucks at getting it off as well as getting a clear picture of what we are dealing with! Thank you!
This is the only video I could find with the same clip as mine. I was getting so frustrated trying to get the damn thing off. Your video helped a ton! Thanks so much!
My son and I have been discussing why anyone would make it that difficult to work on something. Maybe they figured it could be a "bonding experience" for a dad and son........
lol man great camera work. i swear you're the only person on the internet that can get a visible shot of taking that damn clip off. lmao awesome man thanx
no kidding! Been fighting with my brakes for weeks, the switch works if you actuate the little metal button in the switch by hand but nothing when brake pedal is pushed. This is the first video I've found that shows a good shot of the clip coming off and going on, I can now see that I must have part of the old clip stuck on the shaft. Going to try and get them going again tonight. Fingers crossed.
@@outdoorAllard hey Jon, did replacing the switch fix your issue? Like you if i move the switch with my hand the brake lights work but when on the pedal shaft nothing
Thanks to Mark for this great video! For those of you, like me, who have fat hands, here's what I found that works to replace the clip. 1. Get a 10" or so piece of coat hanger wire and form a loop in the end that EASILY fits over the barrel of that clip. Remember that barrel has to expand to fit over the brake pin. Shape it like a lolly pop. 2. Get under the dash and form an offset so you can come up from under the switch on the driver's side of the steering column. Keep shaping it until it goes over the brake pin and the loop is somewhat flat against the switch body. 3. Take a hammer and pound the ring a little flatter. Get yourself a fat o-ring that snugly fits over the clip barrel. This is to secure the clip to the coat hanger. Flattening the ring just exposes a little more of the barrel for a more secure fitting o-ring. Probably not necessary, but If the clip is knocked off, you'll likely have to crawl back out from under the dash to find it. 4. Before you go back under the dash with the coat hanger/clip, get a slotted screwdriver with a blade that will at least span the width of the clip barrel. This will be used to push it on. A thin blade will only allow you to push one one side of the clip barrel, which will cock it to one side and not allow you to push it over the pin. 5. Get back under the dash and feed the coat hanger/clip up from the bottom like you did when you formed it. Center it over the brake pin with one hand. 6. Now, using your other hand, come poke the screwdriver through the slot where you can actually see the pin, (same slot you see the above video) and press the clip on the pin. At least get it started and then wiggle the o-ring and coat hanger off. Use the screwdriver again to fully seat the pin. This is very important so it doesn't pop off later. It's still a PITA with this method, but it was the only way I could get that clip on. 7. Finally, the next time you meet a GM design engineer, hug him tightly, especially around the neck. ;-)
Man this video was a blessing!! I had no idea where that switch was or how to get it off! I watched yours and saw what I needed to do but you must have some really small hands!! I got it done but I have some scratches up hands, I could barely reach that ring clamp with the tip of my finger.
Hey Mark, That was VERY helpful video. I'm about to replace the booster on my truck and yours is the only video I could find showing that damn clip very clearly. Now I know what to do. Thank you.
Thank you for the video, it helped me to put the clip back on. ( short term memory loss) I discovered that this "switch" controls more than the Brake Lights. As with my 2007 Silverado 1500, the Cruise Control would disengage then eventually just quit working, The Remote start would quit it's sequence right at Engine Start. Also, the Stabilitrack and Traction Control would disengage at different times and while in snow and ice on the highway.
Well I did change the brake switch and man that clip was a pain in the ass to get off. I got a busted finger with a nice cut that went into my nail. The job was done but with difficulties. The clip won this round. Lol. Thanks man I really appreciated the video.
Can I send you like 10 bucks for doing this video? You saved me so much time an energy. This was my exact problem, though in my case the brake lights just suddenly stopped one day. Took less than 2 hours to realize the problem, research, diagnose, go to parts store, and fix the problem.
Thanks very much, it helped me a lot replacing the brake light switch on my 99 Tahoe. It took me about an hour to get that evil clip off with just screw drivers of various sizes. Merry Christmas to you and Best Wishes for the New Year.
Thanks Mark I got the brake switch off man was it frustrating... and I was able to replace the brake switch and I put it back in place and instead of a retaining clip I put on a rubber cap that was real snug but easier to take off for next time thanks for your help your video was great two thumbs up!!
Thanks for the excellent video. Hands down the best video on how to remove this pain in the @$$ clip. All the other videos do not have as good a view or the clear directions. Once Mark explained the clip and how he did this job I had mine out & replaced in about 10 minutes. Before finding his video I fought it for an hour or so with no results. If you have large hands the task likely take longer.
Great video bud.I wasn't sure were it was but i think i got to find someone with smaller hands as i have extra large hands and it looks like a tight spot. Merry Christmas to ya all.
Could you list the color order on the connector? A few of my wires worked their way out and I had to replace it. I tried to catch it in your video but couldn't get a clear shot. Thanks, Mike
Video definitely helped. Man what a pain to get get to. Worse place to put one of those. I didn't have a pick for the particular clip I ended up making one out of an old iron hanger with my dremel.
Did you have to remove anything to fish the switch out after removing the retaining clip? I've been trying to remove the electrical connector around where the switch sits and its a real bear. If I could get both hands on the switch it would be a lot easier to remove the electrical connector.Thanks!
Mark, Very helpful video. I have a 99 suburban with brake lights that all worked with slight pressure on the pedal but went off when pushing the pedal hard enough to stop. Thought is must be the brake switch. Purchased one at AutoZone. After much frustration in getting the clip off and harness detached (my wires were too short to pull down to where I could easily do this), I installed the new switch. No I have no brake lights at all. Bad switch? All other lights still work so it's not a fuse. Any ideas. Thanks again for the video.
Mark, Thanks for the video. I had the same problem as Lara on my '99 Suburban: I replaced the switch, but then none of my brake lights worked. Turned out that the black wire on the harness broke off. I ended up having to pull the entire steering column to get the harness and pigtail out to work on it. The part is available from Rock Auto, but it has some huge 12 ga. wires with it, so that took some fiddling to get it paired up, but then I was able to add some length to the pigtail so if the switch goes out again, I will be able to drop it out with little issue.
im getting claustrophobic so its takin me a bit longer. Is this fixing everyones prob assuming fuses were checked first. Brake lights and rear turn signals?
I broke my little metal clip off when changing out the booster and now the brake switch isn't working properly? Does that little metal clip affect the switches ability to properly function? and where could I go for a replacement or what do I ask for. All the auto parts stores think I'm asking for a replacement switch.
Did you have to take off all the plastic dash panels and such to get at it? I just looked at mine to see if it wriggles and stuff cause I think it's bad! But there's barely any room to work in there.
We have had our 2000 Chevy blazer in to have the brake lights fixed 3 times in the last month and they're still not. Any suggestions on how to do the brake sensor ourselves?
Ali Wingfield check your taillight grounds. If they look good check out the connector that goes from one taillight to the other. I had issues when I changed my trailer light harness, the connectors were really finicky, and had to be in the right position
Finally finished, what a pain. Cut my hands all up. Ended up having a green wire come out of the connector and I cannot find where the other end connected. I’ve gone from occasional brake lights to no brake lights at all. Sucks.
Replaced switch but when the brake pedal is pushed the light comes on for about the first third of pedal travel and then goes out when pedal is fully depressed. Any ideas?
Hi Mark, I have a 1999 Chevy 1500 p/u truck. I have replaced all the circuit panels for the rear light assembly with all new bulbs two weeks ago. today I have lost all blinkers, hazard flashers, break lights, and backup lights. any idea what happened..? HELP I USE THIS TRUCK TO GO TO WORK AT NIGHT.
the 30 amp was to the hazards I think or the head lamps Mark I do have a pigtail at the back I checked it out all seemed fine but I didn't unpeel the tape hence it was not a factory installed pigtail.
+Mark Jenkins ok I will do Mark I have one and ill check it all out tomorrow, I really do appreciate all your help and input and taking the time to help. ill get back with you as to what I find with the test light.
Unless you have tiny hands don't expect to fix it yourself. Either call your mechanic buddy with tiny hands or take it to a mechanic. If you have big hands your just screwed.
unless you have child sized hands, your going to have to drop the steering column. Took about an hour from start to finish. Zero fun factor. Damn engineers.
There was a couple wires I found that were cut. I soldered them together and put on brake light switch. Would you know why it doesn't shift in reverse or drive?
Replacement Brake Light Switch on Amazon - amzn.to/2CaJAMv
Replacement Tailights on Amazon - amzn.to/33cD8CE
Thank you for taking the time to film this. This is the best footage so far that I've found for this job and it taught me a lot. I'm now ready to tackle the job.
After 8 years, this is still the best video I could find on this job. Nice camera work and great explanation.
I really appreciate the effort that you put into this for guys like me who've never replaced one.
You're one of the very few that shows how to put the clip back on.
I'm trying to do the exact same thing but even though I've got skinny forearms, I cannot get my hand around the steering column like you did. I'm at a dead end not knowing how I'll ever get the clip back on, but thanks for your video that shows a cramped/crowded setup like mine.
Great video, I done , this today.,,clip was the hardest for me,but I finally got it done. Thanks for your explaining and showing details . Have a good one. 👍
Wholly crap!
You have the best video on this! Everyone else sucks at getting it off as well as getting a clear picture of what we are dealing with! Thank you!
This is the only video I could find with the same clip as mine. I was getting so frustrated trying to get the damn thing off. Your video helped a ton! Thanks so much!
Very informative and clearly laid out the process. Plus Connor is best helper 12/10
I want to thank you for this video, I've worked on older cars all my life, these newer cars suck to work on but thanks again for the help!!😃
Watched several videos on this, yours is by far the best! Thanks!
Thanks! My son and I fought that clip for about 45 minutes before we found your video. It still wasn't easy but we did it.
My son and I have been discussing why anyone would make it that difficult to work on something. Maybe they figured it could be a "bonding experience" for a dad and son........
I give up putting the clip back, I just put epoxy putty at the end hahahah
lol man great camera work. i swear you're the only person on the internet that can get a visible shot of taking that damn clip off. lmao awesome man thanx
MrMrchatcity
no kidding! Been fighting with my brakes for weeks, the switch works if you actuate the little metal button in the switch by hand but nothing when brake pedal is pushed. This is the first video I've found that shows a good shot of the clip coming off and going on, I can now see that I must have part of the old clip stuck on the shaft. Going to try and get them going again tonight. Fingers crossed.
@@outdoorAllard hey Jon, did replacing the switch fix your issue? Like you if i move the switch with my hand the brake lights work but when on the pedal shaft nothing
Ken Fetters no never got it working. Couldn’t for the life of me get it working on the pedal. Wired up a hand switch lol. Just a snowplow truck
@@outdoorAllard had to tie wrap mine to keep it from sliding on the brake linkage. Damn frikkin crap!!!!
Thanks to Mark for this great video! For those of you, like me, who have fat hands, here's what I found that works to replace the clip.
1. Get a 10" or so piece of coat hanger wire and form a loop in the end that EASILY fits over the barrel of that clip. Remember that barrel has to expand to fit over the brake pin. Shape it like a lolly pop.
2. Get under the dash and form an offset so you can come up from under the switch on the driver's side of the steering column. Keep shaping it until it goes over the brake pin and the loop is somewhat flat against the switch body.
3. Take a hammer and pound the ring a little flatter. Get yourself a fat o-ring that snugly fits over the clip barrel. This is to secure the clip to the coat hanger. Flattening the ring just exposes a little more of the barrel for a more secure fitting o-ring. Probably not necessary, but If the clip is knocked off, you'll likely have to crawl back out from under the dash to find it.
4. Before you go back under the dash with the coat hanger/clip, get a slotted screwdriver with a blade that will at least span the width of the clip barrel. This will be used to push it on. A thin blade will only allow you to push one one side of the clip barrel, which will cock it to one side and not allow you to push it over the pin.
5. Get back under the dash and feed the coat hanger/clip up from the bottom like you did when you formed it. Center it over the brake pin with one hand.
6. Now, using your other hand, come poke the screwdriver through the slot where you can actually see the pin, (same slot you see the above video) and press the clip on the pin. At least get it started and then wiggle the o-ring and coat hanger off. Use the screwdriver again to fully seat the pin. This is very important so it doesn't pop off later. It's still a PITA with this method, but it was the only way I could get that clip on.
7. Finally, the next time you meet a GM design engineer, hug him tightly, especially around the neck. ;-)
Man this video was a blessing!! I had no idea where that switch was or how to get it off! I watched yours and saw what I needed to do but you must have some really small hands!! I got it done but I have some scratches up hands, I could barely reach that ring clamp with the tip of my finger.
Hey Mark, That was VERY helpful video. I'm about to replace the booster on my truck and yours is the only video I could find showing that damn clip very clearly. Now I know what to do. Thank you.
20 min job thanks man I love these videos takes all the thinking out of it! Right on
Thank you for the video, it helped me to put the clip back on. ( short term memory loss)
I discovered that this "switch" controls more than the Brake Lights. As with my 2007 Silverado 1500, the Cruise Control would disengage then eventually just quit working, The Remote start would quit it's sequence right at Engine Start. Also, the Stabilitrack and Traction Control would disengage at different times and while in snow and ice on the highway.
You have the best video and explain well Thanks
not all heros wear capes. Thanks buddy.
Thanks Mark,,,hardest part will be getting my 75 year old body to get down under, you made it look so easy,,,,Lol,!
Well I did change the brake switch and man that clip was a pain in the ass to get off. I got a busted finger with a nice cut that went into my nail. The job was done but with difficulties. The clip won this round. Lol. Thanks man I really appreciated the video.
Thanks for the video took me 10 min. Helped a lot
Thanks Mark! You saved my co-worker alot of guess work and money. You're the man.
Can I send you like 10 bucks for doing this video? You saved me so much time an energy. This was my exact problem, though in my case the brake lights just suddenly stopped one day. Took less than 2 hours to realize the problem, research, diagnose, go to parts store, and fix the problem.
Thanks very much, it helped me a lot replacing the brake light switch on my 99 Tahoe. It took me about an hour to get that evil clip off with just screw drivers of various sizes. Merry Christmas to you and Best Wishes for the New Year.
Concise, to the point. Great help for me, trying to put the switch back in. Thx
Thanks Mark I got the brake switch off man was it frustrating... and I was able to replace the brake switch and I put it back in place and instead of a retaining clip I put on a rubber cap that was real snug but easier to take off for next time thanks for your help your video was great two thumbs up!!
What kind of plug, my clip is missing and the PO used a zip tie and it isn't working properly
My wife has tiny hands ... I will forward her this video. Thanks 😄
Thank you so much for sharing this video I’ve got the perfect guy that can do this
Man!!When i did mine on my 99 suburban,it took me forever to replace this thing!😆It took you like 5 mins 😂
Thanks for the excellent video. Hands down the best video on how to remove this pain in the @$$ clip. All the other videos do not have as good a view or the clear directions. Once Mark explained the clip and how he did this job I had mine out & replaced in about 10 minutes. Before finding his video I fought it for an hour or so with no results. If you have large hands the task likely take longer.
This video was very helpful. Better then the other ones.
Great video bud.I wasn't sure were it was but i think i got to find someone with smaller hands as i have extra large hands and it looks like a tight spot. Merry Christmas to ya all.
This piece affects cruise control engagement also correct???
Thanks for the reply. I ended up locating it. The video helped me a lot!!!
thanks for the help ...my break lights when out ..i check the fuse ..change the lights ,,, so this is the problem break light switch thank you
Jesus Benitez brakecontrolswitch
What where the symptoms of this
on the 95 yukon was vary small spot to work in but got it out thank you for the vid it helped alot
Could you list the color order on the connector? A few of my wires worked their way out and I had to replace it. I tried to catch it in your video but couldn't get a clear shot. Thanks, Mike
very good video. you did not leave the hard parts out.
Video definitely helped. Man what a pain to get get to. Worse place to put one of those. I didn't have a pick for the particular clip I ended up making one out of an old iron hanger with my dremel.
Thank you for this great video. It worked perfectly for me. I bought my switch at Autozone for $15.00.
How you get the part that slides down on the rod that engages the brakes to not come off?
Did you have to remove anything to fish the switch out after removing the retaining clip? I've been trying to remove the electrical connector around where the switch sits and its a real bear. If I could get both hands on the switch it would be a lot easier to remove the electrical connector.Thanks!
Would u say this is about the same way you do it for a GMC 98 z71 sierra?
Very good video...descriptive. You must have thin hands because I can't get my fat hands to reinstall that brake switch clip!! Lol
Mark,
Very helpful video. I have a 99 suburban with brake lights that all worked with slight pressure on the pedal but went off when pushing the pedal hard enough to stop. Thought is must be the brake switch. Purchased one at AutoZone. After much frustration in getting the clip off and harness detached (my wires were too short to pull down to where I could easily do this), I installed the new switch. No I have no brake lights at all. Bad switch? All other lights still work so it's not a fuse. Any ideas. Thanks again for the video.
Mark, Thanks for the video. I had the same problem as Lara on my '99 Suburban: I replaced the switch, but then none of my brake lights worked. Turned out that the black wire on the harness broke off. I ended up having to pull the entire steering column to get the harness and pigtail out to work on it. The part is available from Rock Auto, but it has some huge 12 ga. wires with it, so that took some fiddling to get it paired up, but then I was able to add some length to the pigtail so if the switch goes out again, I will be able to drop it out with little issue.
im getting claustrophobic so its takin me a bit longer. Is this fixing everyones prob assuming fuses were checked first. Brake lights and rear turn signals?
I broke my little metal clip off when changing out the booster and now the brake switch isn't working properly? Does that little metal clip affect the switches ability to properly function? and where could I go for a replacement or what do I ask for. All the auto parts stores think I'm asking for a replacement switch.
Jessica Gallagher I have the same problem but I put the clip back on and still don’t have break lights
@@str8kuality233 that’s the problem I’m having now
Yes... youre a boss dude, thanx! Going to give it a shot
Did you have to take off all the plastic dash panels and such to get at it? I just looked at mine to see if it wriggles and stuff cause I think it's bad! But there's barely any room to work in there.
I think it would also help me if I didn't have the 4wd shifter on the floor
We have had our 2000 Chevy blazer in to have the brake lights fixed 3 times in the last month and they're still not. Any suggestions on how to do the brake sensor ourselves?
thanks you saved me 65$
are you inside or outside the car?
So I replacement the switch and circuit boards on 99 tahoe. Still no brakes... any other recommendations? Fuses are all perfect too
Ali Wingfield check your taillight grounds. If they look good check out the connector that goes from one taillight to the other. I had issues when I changed my trailer light harness, the connectors were really finicky, and had to be in the right position
Thank you for video
Thank you so much..you are awesome..
So I’ve got reverse blinkers but no brake lights or emergency, I’ve replaced the brake switch and a new wiring harness what could it be next ?
yYour link doesnt link to a specific one. Do you have a part number?
Man you must have Burger King hands
Great video. Thanks for posting!, it's pretty helpful.
Finally finished, what a pain. Cut my hands all up. Ended up having a green wire come out of the connector and I cannot find where the other end connected. I’ve gone from occasional brake lights to no brake lights at all. Sucks.
How about an 03 Yukon Denali
Anyone know why brake lights stay on? I changed my switch
@@nogripes no, when I put the brake switch on the brake lights just stay on . the e brake is not on either
thanks for the video very helpful
7/16 box wrench helps the clip go back on easily.
Great video
Replaced switch but when the brake pedal is pushed the light comes on for about the first third of pedal travel and then goes out when pedal is fully depressed. Any ideas?
So I'm having problems's with my brakes staying on when the pedal is pressed to the floor I ordered a new break light switch. Hopefully it helps
Did it work
Mine just started
How did you take off the clip?
Very good! Thank you.
when I change te brake switch, well this prevent the brake fuses not to pop?
Mark Jenkins I replace the brake switch now lights just stay on
oof owww, bone hurting juice. I hope I don't have to do this again for a long time :P
Hi Mark, I have a 1999 Chevy 1500 p/u truck. I have replaced all the circuit panels for the rear light assembly with all new bulbs two weeks ago. today I have lost all blinkers, hazard flashers, break lights, and backup lights. any idea what happened..? HELP I USE THIS TRUCK TO GO TO WORK AT NIGHT.
+Mark Jenkins well I did look at the fuse box and found a 30amp blown and nothing happens. would it be the brake relay.?
the 30 amp was to the hazards I think or the head lamps Mark
I do have a pigtail at the back I checked it out all seemed fine but I didn't unpeel the tape hence it was not a factory installed pigtail.
+Mark Jenkins ok I will do Mark I have one and ill check it all out tomorrow, I really do appreciate all your help and input and taking the time to help. ill get back with you as to what I find with the test light.
thanks 4 the information. was helpfully.
Success 08 Silverado LT.
Unless you have tiny hands don't expect to fix it yourself. Either call your mechanic buddy with tiny hands or take it to a mechanic. If you have big hands your just screwed.
My hero
Thx man that helped he
after I got clip off, said fuck it and put a small adjustable hose clap in its place to make any future repairs easier
Thank u
Yes it did. Job done.
I have a 2003 s10 I need a break switch
Your bad lighting in your video makes everybody else's video look great
I appreciate the feedback.
unless you have child sized hands, your going to have to drop the steering column. Took about an hour from start to finish. Zero fun factor. Damn engineers.
I cant get that clip off for anything
S
Bro I can not get that clip off. Shit is mad annoying
Huh g
Terrible lighting bad video
There was a couple wires I found that were cut. I soldered them together and put on brake light switch. Would you know why it doesn't shift in reverse or drive?
Very helpful! Thanks