[JWR]

I got this reply from Edward Morgan on one of the FB groups when I posted a similar question a while back:

"I have a 2019; and mine appears to be up under the dash at the top limit of the brake lever. Its electronic and appears to use a lever to actuate a cam inside the plastic box. I would bet there is a limiting switch that control when the circuit is engaged; albeit, I cannot see inside the box to be sure. I would also bet that it is a typical Chevy Cruze style switch. Unfortunately the old days of a mechanical switch connected to the back of the brake pedal are gone. All electronic now. A Chevy dealer may be able to adjust it for you?"

I haven't gotten mine fixed yet since my dealer is so far away, so I'm interested in any DIY fixes anyone comes up with.

Please post the results. I don't see how anything other than the brake pedal position sensor could trigger the brake lights, but will be very interested to know if recalibration of the sensor makes a difference. Thanks!

[J Patrick]

According to a tech note I saw from AC Delco, the sensor is just a pair of variable resistors hooked to the arm that moves with the brake pedal, so no electronics per se. The BCM and ECM just see a resistance that is dependent on brake position. I'm going to have the computer modules on my 2019 Venice checked next week. That might shed some light on the brake light problem. Might want to wait about spending money at the Chevy dealer on recalibrating the sensor until I can report.

[JWR]

According to a tech note I saw from AC Delco, the sensor is just a pair of variable resistors hooked to the arm that moves with the brake pedal, so no electronics per se. The BCM and ECM just see a resistance that is dependent on brake position. I'm going to have the computer modules on my 2019 Venice checked next week. That might shed some light on the brake light problem. Might want to wait about spending money at the Chevy dealer on recalibrating the sensor until I can report.

Looking forward to whatever you learn, but also have to wonder if there are any differences in this area between the 2019 and 2018 models, since Vanderhall seems to make a lot of unannounced and undocumented changes, even in the same model year.

[J Patrick]

They certainly made some changes since the 2019s have a dimmer control as part of odometer and also shows transmission mode (PRNDM). I'll ask when they have a look at the computer modules and the brake pedal position sensor.

[Quazie 75]

I just got back from my Chevy dealership. They wouldn’t touch it. According to them vanderhall has their own proprietary computers. So they were not interested in plugging into the Venice.
However I took it down to our mechanic that works on our fleet work truck. (Great mechanic). According to him the computer has nothing to do with the break switch. He recommended trying to find an adjustment or just replacing the the switch under the dash.
I was going to remove my seats any to recover them so I guess while They are out and there will be more room to work, I will look into the break light switch. If I have any luck I’ll try to keep everyone informed..


#745

[J Patrick]

I got a peek at the service manual. The Venice does not have a traditional off/on brake switch. It has a rotating arm connected to 2 variable resistors. One is connected to the BCM, the other to the ECM. The computer modules read the amount of brake pedal travel and make associated adjustments to brake and engine, light the stop lamps, etc. After either the BCM or ECM is serviced, the brake pedal position sensor should be recalibrated. The computer modules definitely interact with the sensor. Looks to be the same setup as in Chevy Cruze. I can see all of the OBD II codes (including most enhanced codes) when I tell my scanner it is looking at a 2013 Chevy Cruze. If you want to know more, Google "brake pedal position sensor chevy cruze". FWIW.