Freelander 2 (LR2) brake switch replacement (sorry- again)

Hi - I removed the old brake switch and lead link and now a month later finally have a new one.

Is there any trick for installing the new switch? I have the proper switch and lead link but I can't get the switch seated into the bracket properly - the new part seems to have slightly larger side 'pins' than the old part. Is this usual or did I get a faulty part? Or do I just have to keep fiddling while perched up-side-down?

Does the switch have an up and down or does it matter which way it goes in - and I know the plunger goes into the bracket but is their an upside and a downside? IE does it matter which side the lead link (connector part with wires) is on?

Also - do I have to do anything with the plunger or brake itself? or just get the switch seated into the bracket, connect up the wires and all is good?

I am close to 70 years old and not so limber any more so I don't want to have to crawl in and out from under the steering wheel very often..... I have already done that ...twice....
Thanks,
Joy

Make sure you push down your brake pedal - then the switch just clicks in like an electric light bulb

Make sure you push down your brake pedal - then the switch just clicks in like an electric light bulb[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the tip - I crawled under the brake pedal again and fiddled and fiddled and fiddled. I depressed the pedal and fiddled some more - thanks - because it just clicked in - magic!

If you have the time - now my brake light works - one of them at least ('extra third light in the middle of back) . The 'normal' brake lights will not go on - I checked the fuses and they are fine. I will buy some brake light bulbs tomorrow.

But the shifter is still stuck in Park, which is the whole reason that I replaced the brake switch. My husband wants to eliminate the solenoid in the shifter mechanism but before he does - is there something else I should look at first? Do you know if I can buy and install another solenoid or is that a daydream?
Thanks,
Joy