Well, the switch itself is replaced. Need to get my brains back before I tackle the retaining clip. Not like any clip I've ever seen. The collar closes around the shaft andn there are spring tabs that push it away from the switch and against a shoulder on the shaft. Hard to explain. You have to separate the collar almost destructively to be able to release it. I guess that's why Dorman sells the clips in multi-packs. I was able to wedge a small screwdriver in where the red arrows are and force that part open. Then the clip almost sprung itself off.
Then it was a puzzle to get the switch off since it has a part that has to settle down over the push rod. And then manipulate it in tight spaces to get it and the wiring over the steering column and down where you can see it.
That's when the fun began.
One of the wires was broken off at the terminal clip. Was that the original problem? Or did I break it getting it out? No way to know.
Had to figure out how to get the terminal out of the plastic connector block, solder a piece of wire as an extension, then use an IDC splice to the remaining harness wire. Using a larger screwdriver, I could activate the switch a few times to make sure the brake lights lit before trying to get the switch back in place.
Reverse the process of getting the switch back up over the column and into place.
With that done, a few presses of the brake pedal to make sure it worked.
Not sure why, but I sweat like a stuck pig from the head and face, even in cool dry weather. Can't really wear readers/glasses when doing anything like this because they just fog right up. So I have to fight trying to see small things and wipe the drips away every few minutes.
I'll get back out there in a bit and see how much effort it takes to get the new retaining clip in place.
