RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Brake Light Switch: Description and Operation
The plunger type brake lamp switch is mounted on a bracket attached to the base of the steering column, under the instrument panel.
CAUTION: The switch can only be adjusted during initial installation. If the switch is not adjusted properly a new switch must be installed.
The brake lamp switch is monitored by the Instrument Cluster and used for the brake lamp, speed control brake sensor circuits and Electronic Brake
Distribution (EBD). The brake lamp circuit is open until the plunger is depressed. The speed control and brake sensor circuits are closed until the
plunger is depressed. When the instrument cluster notices the brake lamp switch transition, it transmits a brake applied/released message on the bus. The
Front Control Module (FCM) will then illuminate or turn off the brake lamps.
When the brake light switch is activated, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) receives an input indicating that the brakes are being applied. After
receiving this input, the PCM maintains idle speed to a scheduled rpm through control of the Idle Air Control (IAC) motor. The brake switch input is
also used to disable vent and vacuum solenoid output signals to the speed control servo.
Vehicles equipped with the speed control option use a dual function brake lamp switch. The PCM monitors the state of the dual function brake lamp
switch.
The brake switch is equipped with three sets of contacts, one normally open and the other two normally closed (brakes disengaged). The PCM sends a 12
volt signal to one of the normally closed contacts in the brake switch, which is returned to the PCM as a brake switch state signal. With the contacts
closed, the 12 volt signal is pulled to ground causing the signal to go low. The low voltage signal, monitored by the PCM, indicates that the brakes are
not applied. When the brakes are applied, the contacts open, causing the PCM's output brake signal to go high, disengaging the speed control, cutting off
PCM power to the speed control solenoids.
The second set of normally closed contacts supplies 12 volts from the PCM any time speed control is turned on. Through the brake switch, current is
routed to the speed control servo solenoids. The speed control solenoids (vacuum, vent and dump) are provided this current any time the speed control is
ON and the brakes are disengaged.
When the driver applies the brakes, the contacts open and current is interrupted to the solenoids. The normally open contacts are fed battery voltage.
When the brakes are applied, battery voltage is supplied to the brake lamps.
The brake lamp switch can only be adjusted once. That is at the initial installation of the switch. If the switch is not adjusted properly or has been
removed, a new switch must be installed and adjusted.
