2007 Tahoe Brake lights remain on, no cruise, parts replaced

[kingbeepa]

in 2023, I bought a 2007 Tahoe LTZ with about 240k miles. I've had numerous issues I have been able to work around or fix altogether, with one exception.
The brake lights are always on (engine running), which is potentially dangerous, AND the cruise control does not engage or light on.

Here's what I've done so far:
1. I replaced the brake sensor, although I did not test the old one to be sure it was the problem
2. I replaced the cruise control module via a new left side central terminal switch (4 buttons with a rear plug terminal)

Obviously, the brakes still stay on always, and the cruise still doesn't work. It's probably not a difficult conclusion to say I'm not a mechanic, electrician, or aficionado. But I replaced the above parts myself as per instructions.

Assuming the two new AC Delco parts I replaced are not bad, what am I missing?

 

[dkad260]

I have to look at mine to be sure, but likely a switch on the pedal that's either bad or out of adjustment.

When the brake light switch is activated, it will cancel the cruise control.

Look around the brake pedal for the switch, might be on the top of the pedal

 

[OR VietVet]

What is a brake sensor? Are you talking about the stoplight/brake light switch on the brake pedal, that @dkad260 mentioned?

More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS CBT107

More Information for GM GENUINE 22787445

Have you looked at these, at the rear?

 

[kingbeepa]

What is a brake sensor? Are you talking about the stoplight/brake light switch on the brake pedal, that @dkad260 mentioned?

More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS CBT107

More Information for GM GENUINE 22787445

Have you looked at these, at the rear?

You are correct. I misspoke. Again I’m not a mechanic. It was a brake switch, not a sensor. I recently replaced the accelerator pedal/level sensor as a single unit, so I had “sensor” on my mind.
Here’s the part name taken from the retail listing:
Standard Ignition 4 Terminal Brake Light switch

At any rate, it doubt that will add or take away from any real suggestions.


Again, thoughts?

 

[kingbeepa]

What is a brake sensor? Are you talking about the stoplight/brake light switch on the brake pedal, that @dkad260 mentioned?

More Information for STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS CBT107

More Information for GM GENUINE 22787445

Have you looked at these, at the rear?

To answer the second part of your response, no. I have not been made aware of the two parts you suggested, up til now. Assuming they're not impossible to get to, I'll give it a try, simply because of the vehicle's age, and disregard "need" as a factor to weigh a purchasing. It generally won't necessarily hurt to replace parts, with few compatibility exceptions.

I'm still open to suggestions in the event these don't resolve the issue. Wish me luck, and I'm looking forward to your response.

 

[kingbeepa]

I have to look at mine to be sure, but likely a switch on the pedal that's either bad or out of adjustment.

When the brake light switch is activated, it will cancel the cruise control.

Look around the brake pedal for the switch, might be on the top of the pedal

Correct. I have replaced the brake light switch, not a brake sensor, as I had mistakenly put it.

 

[dkad260]

Can you lhave someone stand behind the vehicle and manually work the brake lever and confirm the brake switch is clicking after you press on the pedal?

Does the brake pedal sag...can you pull back on the pedal enough to point to a possible weak return spring?

A quick search on the sensor has talk of recalibrating via scan tool, but I cannot confirm this.

 

[mikez71]

If brake switch and wiring are good, it maybe bad bcm.

Exterior Lights Diagram 8 — 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD V8-5.3L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD V8-5.3L.

charm.li

 

[Fless]

It might help to put a scanner on it that can read body diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) to see if there are any. Then look them up on the charm site that @mikez71 linked and follow the troubleshooting guide for the code(s).

 

[kingbeepa]

It might help to put a scanner on it that can read body diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) to see if there are any. Then look them up on the charm site that @mikez71 linked and follow the troubleshooting guide for the code(s).

Is it reasonable to assume the scanner is a mechanic’s tool, or are scanners available for use by newbies?
Not a Walmart or Oreilly’s item I suppose.

 

[kingbeepa]

Can you lhave someone stand behind the vehicle and manually work the brake lever and confirm the brake switch is clicking after you press on the pedal?

Does the brake pedal sag...can you pull back on the pedal enough to point to a possible weak return spring?

A quick search on the sensor has talk of recalibrating via scan tool, but I cannot confirm this.

Brakes remain on even for a second witness standing behind the truck. No spring sag to speak of.
There is not an audible click when I press the pedal, but is that always expected?
What did you find out about recalibration? Is this necessarily a good rabbit hole?

 

[mikez71]

It might help to put a scanner on it that can read body diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) to see if there are any. Then look them up on the charm site that @mikez71 linked and follow the troubleshooting guide for the code(s).

I never looked at the troubleshooting section! Looks promising....

Stop Lamps Always On — 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD V8-5.3L Service Manual | Operation CHARM

Detailed repair manual for the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD V8-5.3L.

charm.li

 

[jclem06]

in 2023, I bought a 2007 Tahoe LTZ with about 240k miles. I've had numerous issues I have been able to work around or fix altogether, with one exception.
The brake lights are always on (engine running), which is potentially dangerous, AND the cruise control does not engage or light on.

Here's what I've done so far:
1. I replaced the brake sensor, although I did not test the old one to be sure it was the problem
2. I replaced the cruise control module via a new left side central terminal switch (4 buttons with a rear plug terminal)

Obviously, the brakes still stay on always, and the cruise still doesn't work. It's probably not a difficult conclusion to say I'm not a mechanic, electrician, or aficionado. But I replaced the above parts myself as per instructions.

Assuming the two new AC Delco parts I replaced are not bad, what am I missing?

Does it have aftermarket LED tail lights or headlights? I think I've seen forum posts linking aftermarket LEDs to cruise control issues. I had several odd things happen after adding LEDs. Lost cruise control, headlight selector switch stopped working so I could no longer turn off my headlights manually or switch to running lights only, rear break lights either stopped working or there wasn't a noticeable difference when engaged or not. Third brake light was still noticeable.

 

[PatDTN]

My 2009 Tahoe came to me with a non functional cruise control. I learned on this site that there are two brake switches on the pedal. I replaced the one for trailer towing and fixed it.

My 2007 Silverado has a sagging brake pedal. Hitting some bumps cancels my cruise control. Usually it doesn't stay far enough down to prevent resetting it. On rare occasions I have to pull the pedal up. I've taken a cursory glance at it but didn't see an obvious problem/fix.

 

[BGardner]

I have to look at mine to be sure, but likely a switch on the pedal that's either bad or out of adjustment.

When the brake light switch is activated, it will cancel the cruise control.

Look around the brake pedal for the switch, might be on the top of the pedal

I know (from experience) that if you try a non AC-Delco brake light switch it may not work. Once I installed a new AC-Delco one it worked and I got my cruise control back.