Possible solution for constant brake light, ABS light, (((!))) and no cruise control.

Today, as usual, I was scratching my head and getting pissed off by the constant nagging lights on my Gen 2 Pruis. I was on my cell phone, listening to Siri diagnose the potential problems and heard her say that a bad stop light switch could cause these dashboard lights to pop on AND the car to lose cruise control. My ears perked up and I did further research and low and behold, she was correct. I've been battling the wonky CC for over a year, replacing the clock spring and stalk without any success. The dash lights being on constantly, especially when I have to suddenly brake was irritating. But for the past couple of weeks the gremlins have crept in to where the Prius couldn't be put into gear after it is turned on. Thus I began listening to Siri this morning for a possible answer. She provided one that made a lot of sense so I went down to my local Autozone and purchased a replacement stop light switch for a little over fifty bucks. Yea, it was very expensive but I need the car to be drivable and such is life when hard times hit. It took about an hour to install it because I had to remove the driver's seat and the knee trim and steering wheel lower trim piece. Plus you'd better be a good contortionist because it gets very cramped and dark to where the switch is located. But, alas, I replaced it with the new component and started the Prius and it worked perfectly. Tossed all the trim and put the seat back in and took it for a spin. All was well. I had fixed two problems with one part and I'm happy. Hope this might help someone else in the future if you're having issues. It might not be the ABS Actuator pump or brake calipers. Heck, I even checked the fuses to make sure none were blown before I started this adventure. Also getting into the back of the hatch were the 12v battery and cleaning the terminals would be a good thing to do, IMHO.

 

Yeaaaa, nope! Why you might ask? Because I'm poor and cannot afford the Techstream.