The Honda Accord Brake Light Stays On [7 Causes And Fixes]

The Honda Accord is undoubtedly a go-to sedan for a mix of luxury and comfort. However, like any other vehicle, it isn’t immune to internal problems. Such so, the brake light malfunction may be rattling.

What if the Honda Accord brake light stays on even when the brake pedal is not pressed? It can occur due to a faulty brake pedal switch, brake pedal stopper, blown fuse, and faulty wiring. However, these problems only require some quick fixes, or else the replacement of defective parts.

The issues that can trigger the brake light to stay on should not be taken lightly. That’s why, in the below section a detailed discussion on the solutions to fix the problems is added. Let’s take a look at them. 

Table: Honda Accord Brake Light Stays On Causes And Solution

Below the common causes and solutions behind the Honda Accord brake light staying on are included. 

Causes	Solution
Damaged brake light switch	Replace the brake light switch
	Adjust the brake light switch
Blown fuse	Change the fuse
Brake pedal stopper problem	Place the grommets
Faulty wiring	Check and fix the wiring
The brake pedal is stuck	Fill the brake fluid
	Fill in the fresh brake fluid
	Replace the spring
	Clean the brake pedal
Faulty brake pedal spring	Replace the brake pedal spring
Bad brake light	Change the brake light
	Replace the old socket
	Correct the connection of the wiring
	Change the faulty wiring

A Brief Guide To Honda Accord Brake Light Stays On Causes And Solution 

Below a deep investigation of the problems and solutions are discussed. So, let’s go through them.

Damaged or Misaligned Brake Light Switch 

Over time, the brake light switch may not work effectively. As a result, it can lead to brake light staying on.

Generally, the power is transferred to the brake system. As a result, the brake light turns on. However, check the switch and you’ll need to replace or adjust it afterward.

Solution 

Adjustment of the brake light switch requires only a few steps. Follow the below steps sequentially for that. 

1. Well, the brake light switch is installed in the brake assembly. You should open the panel below the driver’s dash side. When you press the brake padel, you’ll find the switch making a gap with the brake arm.
2. Now, notice while pushing the brake pedal if the pedal arm is touching the switch or not.
3. If the brake pedal arm is not touching the switch, pull the push button on the switch a bit out.
4. If the brake pedal arm quickly touches the switch, push the button a bit inside.

In case of replacing the brake light switch, follow the below path.

1. First, remove the connection from the negative terminal and then from the positive terminal.
2. Remove the panel by unscrewing the bolts and pulling it out.
3. Disconnect the wires from the brake light switch. 
4. The adjustment bolt should be loosened.
5. Remove the switch by unscrewing the bolts if any.
6. Take the new switch and reconnect the wires to it.
7. Tighten the bolts that hold the switch in place.
8. Check the pedal several times and it’s done.

You can also follow the YouTube video to get an idea of the process.

Blown Fuse

The fuse is responsible for controlling the supply of electrical signals to the systems. When the brake fuse is blown, the electrical flow can not be supplied to the brake lights. 

Here, either the brake light can stay on or just not turn on at all. The blown fuse needs to be replaced as soon as possible to make the system function properly.

Solution

You need to replace the blown fuse with a new one. Here’s how you do it;

1. Open the fuse box in the car. It’s located under the hood. 

In the case of 2013-2017 Honda Accord, you would need to check the fuse box below the drivers dash.

2. Check the manual to find the right fuse for the brake light.
3. Now, pull out the damaged or broken fuse that needs to be replaced immediately.
4. Insert the new fuse in position. 

Brake Pedal Stopper Problem

The brake pedal stopper deteriorates over time due to usage. Here, the stopper or grommet facilitates the connection between the switch and the brake pedal arm.

Thus, when the grommet deteriorates, the connection is interrupted. However, you need to check it from time to time and replace it with a new one if worn out.

Solution 

Place a new grommet by following the below steps. 

1. Remove the covering panel after unscrewing the bolts. 
2. Gently, pull it out.
3. Push the brake pedal to make a gap between the brake switch and the brake pedal arm.
4. Remove the deteriorated grommet.
5. Put the grommet or stopper gently in the hole of the brake pedal arm.
6. Now, release the brake pedal.
7. Let the grommet take its place. 

Faulty Wiring 

Sometimes, wiring can get burnt or worn due to the overload of power. In that case, the faulty wiring would not let the brake light go off. For this, you would need to fix the wiring problems to solve the brake light problem. 

Apart from that, loose wire can also be a problem. 

Solution

You can solve the faulty wiring problems by following the below-listed steps.

1. First, clean the wirings and search for wear and tear.
2. Sometimes, the socket might get dirty which in turn affects the wiring connection. So, detach the socket from the wire and switch. And now, clean the socket.
3. If the socket has gone bad, remove the wire from the brake light switch socket and reattach the wire to the new socket. 
4. In case of faulty wiring, remove the wiring from the socket and connect the new wires.
5. Tighten the wire connection. 

The Brake Pedal Is Stuck

The stuck brake pedal can also cause the brake light to stay on. As the brake pedal remains stuck, the brake is also kept pressed. Consequently, the gap remains open.

However, this condition can be fixed by cleaning the brake pedal, filling the brake fluid, or changing the brake spring. 

Solution

Here’s how you can do it.

1. Clean the brake pedal. 
2. Check the master cylinder and fill the brake fluid up to the maximum mark. 
3. Get rid of the bad brake fluid and fill the cylinder with good brake fluid.
4. Change the spring of the brake pedal arm in the way that is described in the below section. 

Faulty Brake Pedal Spring 

The spring in the brake pedal allows the brake pedal to take its position when released. Over time, the brake pedal spring loses its elasticity. As a result, the brake pedal does not come in the normal position when released.

So, there remains a gap between the brake pedal arm and the switch. Consequently, the brake light remains on. Replacing the spring is the solution to move the brake pedal to its original position.

Solution 

Follow the below steps to remove the worn spring and replace it with a new one.

1. Remove the panel located beneath the driver’s dash side.
2. Unbolt the nuts to remove the brake pedal arm. This gives access to the spring.
3. After removing the brake pedal arm, gently pull out the spring.
4. Now place the new spring.
5. Reattach the bolts and fix the brake pedal arm in position. 

Bad Brake Light 

A Bad brake light or faulty connections to the brake light can also cause it to stay on. Faulty wire connections and burnt sockets generally affect the most. Here, you may also need to fix the brake light or socket. 

Solution 

You can change the brake light, wiring, and socket by following the below steps.

1. Disconnect the battery connections. 
2. Unscrew the bolts behind the brake light and pull the panel out. 
3. Check the wire connection.
4. Burned wires require replacement. Simply, remove the wires from the sockets and place the new wires. It’s a little tricky so it’s better to leave the job to the professional hand.
5. If the wires are not the problem, check the socket. If the socket is burnt, remove the wiring from the socket. Take a new one, attach the wiring, and put the bulb into the new socket.
6. If the bulb has gone bad, pull the light out. You might need to twist it to detach the light from the socket.
7. Now, you can place the new bulb in the socket. 

If you’ve been facing problems with your Honda Accord’s brake light staying on, it’s essential to address it promptly. Check out our article on battery light comes on then goes off when accelerating for possible solutions. Moreover, if you’re also dealing with a battery light that’s on but the alternator is charging, our guide on battery light on but alternator is charging can help you troubleshoot this issue.

FAQs

Let’s check out some of the commonly asked questions regarding the brake light staying on. 

Outro

Overall, the Honda Accord brake light stays on mainly influenced by the brake pedal switch and the fuse. The additional faults can also lead to such problems due to the lack of maintenance. 

Most of the time, you can solve the underlying causes of the brake light staying on by yourself. However, if you aren’t confident about doing it yourself then consult the professionals for help. Otherwise, in the long run, it might end up costing more.