HDC light - replacement of brake light switch

Hi,

I have a 2004 Freelander. The hill descent control light (yellow light) continues to stay on after I drive (it sometimes stays off when I first start the car, but comes on, and stays on subsequently). I note from various discussions on this site that the likely problem could be the brake light switch. I do however not know what it looks like or where it is located at the pedals under the dash (lots of cables etc). Does anyone have a guide/pictures of how to replace this switch and how to identify it from the many other parts surrounding it?

I don't have a picture, but it's easy to find.

You need to move the driver's seat all the way back, lay on your back under the steering wheel, and shine the flashlight above the brake pedal. The switch is easily seen on the top of the pedal, with a cable going to it. Connector is white (four prongs), and goes in the black part of the switch body (the switch itself is black and white). After you unplug the connector, the switch twists out of its recess easily. Two minute job to replace it.

If you buy the switch on line (or locally), you'll have it in your hands, and WILL know how it looks like, and what to look for under the pedal.

Danielsand said:

I don't have a picture, but it's easy to find.

You need to move the driver's seat all the way back, lay on your back under the steering wheel, and shine the flashlight above the brake pedal. The switch is easily seen on the top of the pedal, with a cable going to it. Connector is white (four prongs), and goes in the black part of the switch body (the switch itself is black and white). After you unplug the connector, the switch twists out of its recess easily. Two minute job to replace it.

If you buy the switch on line (or locally), you'll have it in your hands, and WILL know how it looks like, and what to look for under the pedal.

Click to expand...

Unless he has the original switch and the replacement one is the new style

Richard Martin said:

Unless he has the original switch and the replacement one is the new style

Click to expand...

True. I guess it still has the "plunger" that the pedal depresses as it's engaged? Once you've seen one,........

Danielsand said:

True. I guess it still has the "plunger" that the pedal depresses as it's engaged? Once you've seen one,........

Click to expand...

And a quick search will find photos of both.
I expect we should point out that if he currently has the old style and replaces it with new one he will need to buy the wiring harness adapter as well

Hello Freelander2004
Please go to the community forum and introduce yourself.
Makes us happy if you do.
Cheers
Mike

I know this is an old thread but hopefully my comments may help someone:
I had this issue intermittently. With key in position 2, dash lights flicker, temp gauge goes to top (even when cold) and engine cranks for several seconds before starting. Once started, temp gauge acts normally and returns to correct position but HDC (yellow) and TC (yellow) warning lights stay on. If the temp gauge didnt go all way to top, car started on first turn of the starter. In my case it was not the brake light switch but a loose earth. The one half way down the battery earth cable which bolts to Near Side Inner Wing. Once tightened the problem has gone. It was VERY loose though