2002 Camry brake lights will not shut off

[mikedow]

Hi-
This is my first post. I have a 2002 Camry and just noticed that my brake lights are on even though the car is not running. I opened the trunk and looked in each of the side panels, sure enough, the lights are operating on both sides. Any idea on what this might be? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[don24mac]

See if the brake light switch is stuck. On earlier Camrys the switch is down behind the brake pedal. If you look under the dash, just behind the brake pedal you should see it. I would think it'd be in the same place on a 2002 as on earlier versions. See if it's stuck "in."

[Brian R.]

I would just replace the switch. It is not expensive and having your brake lights on is a bad idea. The only way you shouldn't replace that switch is if you look under your dash and there is something preventing your brake pedal from touching the switch.

(Actually, the switch would be stuck out, (not in) since the brake pedal shuts off the lights by pressing the switch when your foot is off the pedal.)

[mikedow]

Thanks for the response guys! I didn't think of the switch under the pedal...it makes perfect sense. I will replace the switch today.

This is a great place! Thanks again for your help.

Mike

[yotatechie04]

If you replace the switch and the problem still occurs, you might need to adjust pedal clearance, or even worse, the pedal could be bent from some severe stomping on the brakes. (Highly doubtful) but possible.