How do you bench test the brake light switch?

2009 CHEVROLET COBALT
218,499 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROND225
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I am unable to find the right schematic online. It is a 3-wire switch.
May 30, 2022 at 11:07 AM
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STEVE W.
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That one isn't a real switch, it's a potentiometer that also triggers the brake lights. They are easy to replace but then you have to use a scan tool in order to calibrate them. This is because all of the switches and the location of the brake pedal itself makes them very adjustable and the position is somewhat critical as the BCM reads the resistance to determine more than just on and off. It also shows the speed that you press the pedal, how far the pedal has moved and sends that info to the BCM and PCM to also work with the cruise control.
Testing involves finding the 5-volt feed, then the ground and the center pin will send the signal out. To test you can use a voltmeter attached to ground and the center pin, then with the key on moving the pedal should send a signal from close to zero to almost 4.7 or so. What you want to see is a steady up and down voltage as it moves, no dropouts or spikes.
May 30, 2022 at 12:55 PM
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ROND225
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The reading : 4.97- 1.83.
May 31, 2022 at 8:42 AM
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STEVE W.
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That should work fine, but you would need to use a scan tool to verify the various trigger voltages. Those need to be monitored with the tool during adjustment while watching the tools instructions.
May 31, 2022 at 12:23 PM
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ROND225
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okay. I replaced it and calibrated the new switch, and it works. Thanks for your help.
May 31, 2022 at 3:25 PM
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STEVE W.
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Good to hear. Thank you for using 2CarPros.
May 31, 2022 at 4:31 PM