Brake Lights are Stuck ON

[furiousarah]

My brake lights do not illuminate-er, they just stay on, is what I am saying.
I have to take out the fuse to turn them off. Not to mention-I am driving with illuminated brake lights the whole time-which makes me nervous about being rear ended-pulled over, etc.
A friend tells me it is probably the switch under the pedal. I just ordered the Chilton-does anyone know how difficult it could be for me to troubleshoot and fix this problem on my own?
Should I just take it to the mechanic? I don't really trust mechanics-don't want to get shafted! NOT that all mechanics are untrustworthy, per se, rather, I don't know much about braking systems...am very cautious!
I would appreciate some help!
Thanks!~

[furiousarah]

No one has advice>?
I drive an 89 Pathfinder...I need help!
Pllleeeeeeeeeeease??

[jdoug]

This is just guessing, since I haven't done this on my Pathfinder, but since you didn't get any other responses I figured I'd jump in. I replaced the brake pedal sensor switch on my wife's '90 BMW a couple months ago because it was doing the same thing-- brake lights stayed on because the switch was stuck. It was pretty easy to do. Just crawl under there and see if you can tell what to do-- the Chilton's manual will probably help too.

[jptester]

It does sound like it could be the switch on the break pedal. That should be easy to swap out. Before you order it, just crawl under the steering wheel and take a look at the brake pedal switch. It should be easy to spot. Make sure it is not stuck oen/closed. Also make sure there in no interference between the switch and the peddal asembly and lastly make sure the peddal asembly is complete in order to activate/deactivate the switch.

Good Luck!