Having trouble replacing brake light switch (2 Viewers)

[Sunny71]

Hi everyone! I’m currently trying to replace my brake light switch. The shop that was working on my truck recently removed the part. I had no problem finding a replacement, so I thought it’d be fun and easy enough to just install it myself after reviewing a couple tutorials.

Initially, I thought I could just put in the switch without having to open up the cluster meter, which definitely did not work out lol. I finally decided to try opening the cluster meter like all the sources had suggested, but I can barely get the thing cracked a few inches! When I try tilting it down I can feel I’m tugging on a cord or something (maybe the speed cable?). Look from underneath, I can’t tell what might be causing the resistance. Is there a step I’m missing or maybe a possibly work around? I’d really appreciate any ideas or advice!


These are the 2 main references I’ve been using and trying to follow for context:

How to remove brake light switch? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/how-to-remove-brake-light-switch.1102175/post-11999938

- This is the farthest I could open the cluster

 

[dazerb]

I've not done that... good luck! You are on the right track

 

[Otis]

You will need to disconnect the speedometer cable to get the cluster out. You should be able to get at the retaining clip when tilting the cluster forward. If not, open the hood and make sure the speedometer cable is not hung up on anything. You may be able to move the cable around enough under the hood to push more cable through the firewall to get the cluster to tilt out some more. If that fails, you could disconnect the cable at the transfer case (easy to do) to get more cable through the firewall. It is a good idea to disconnect the battery before unplugging the cluster or working on the wiring to make sure you don't short out anything. To make the cluster much easier to remove (and replace) in the future, cut the two small retaining tabs off the bottom of the cluster. The two screws are enough to hold it in place. Good luck!

 

[Sunny71]

You will need to disconnect the speedometer cable to get the cluster out. You should be able to get at the retaining clip when tilting the cluster forward. If not, open the hood and make sure the speedometer cable is not hung up on anything. You may be able to move the cable around enough under the hood to push more cable through the firewall to get the cluster to tilt out some more. If that fails, you could disconnect the cable at the transfer case (easy to do) to get more cable through the firewall. It is a good idea to disconnect the battery before unplugging the cluster or working on the wiring to make sure you don't short out anything. To make the cluster much easier to remove (and replace) in the future, cut the two small retaining tabs off the bottom of the cluster. The two screws are enough to hold it in place. Good luck!

This is super helpful! I’ll try starting under the hood today. I’m so happy to hear cutting those little retaining tabs is an option. They were beyond annoying when trying to get the cluster on & off.

Thank you so much! I appreciate all the advice

 

[Sunny71]

I've not done that... good luck! You are on the right track

Thanks! I’ll take all the luck I can get

 

[Sunny71]

You will need to disconnect the speedometer cable to get the cluster out. You should be able to get at the retaining clip when tilting the cluster forward. If not, open the hood and make sure the speedometer cable is not hung up on anything. You may be able to move the cable around enough under the hood to push more cable through the firewall to get the cluster to tilt out some more. If that fails, you could disconnect the cable at the transfer case (easy to do) to get more cable through the firewall. It is a good idea to disconnect the battery before unplugging the cluster or working on the wiring to make sure you don't short out anything. To make the cluster much easier to remove (and replace) in the future, cut the two small retaining tabs off the bottom of the cluster. The two screws are enough to hold it in place. Good luck!

Am I suppose to be able to twist this part off?

I just wanted to make sure because at the moment it’s not budging at all. I’m guessing I’ll maybe need to buy some pliers to get it loose?

Also, the speedometer cord didn’t look to be caught on anything. I guess I just might have a shorter cord than normal or something . I’m at least able to reach behind the cluster from under the dash, so I’m just going to try getting it detached that way for now.

Update: was able to attach everything, but brake lights still don’t work