Brake Lights Stay On
Short answer: A brake light that stays on after a master-cylinder job is almost always the brake-light switch on the pedal assembly under the dash — it usually just needs a small adjustment so the returning pedal opens the switch. Since tapping the pedal turns the lights off, only a minor adjustment should be needed.
Things to check:
- Pedal return: make sure the pedal return spring is in place. If it is missing, the master cylinder’s internal springs may not push the pedal back far enough.
- Switch adjustment: adjust the plunger/brake-light switch on the pedal assembly forward/down so the raised pedal contacts and opens it; or move the brake pushrod to a higher hole on the pedal if the pedal is not coming up far enough.
If it is the brake warning light on the dash (not the rear brake lights): the issue is the distribution/splitter valve below the master cylinder, usually air in the lines putting it out of balance — bleed the brakes to remove all air.
Any proposed updates, changes, pictures, and/or corrections, please use our comment section below (may need to click on permalink to access comments feature). Information is subject to change and offered as is without any warranties or guarantees. Please review our Term's Of Use for more information.
Content last modified: June 13, 2026 at 10:06 am
← Frequently Asked Questions
In regards to the previous post “Brake lights staying on or not working” I am going through the same issues. I noticed on my Camaro that the brake pedal moves left to right which indicates to me that the bushings in the brake arm assembly or worn. This is causing the brake arm not to center on the brake light switch (button) when the spring pulls the pedal back. I am going to attempt to adjust the brake switch for now until I investigate the bushing issue more. My brake light in the instrument panel stays on all the time too. I replaced the brakes, wheel cylinders and lines and bled the brakes twice. I will try a third time and maybe that will work.
I had a similar problem and what I found was the bracket that holds the brake light switch was actually moving slightly as it had metal fatigue. I removed the brake light switch and used some JB Weld on the bracket to firm it up. Let it set for a day, bracket was now firm and then reinstalled brake switch. Adjusted the brake light switch so it was total depressed when brake was in resting position. Issue went away.