I noticed a couple of weeks ago that my brake lights were out. i have the regular tail lights working but for some reason when i press the brake pedal the light doesn't come on unless i put all my weight into itand try to push the pedal through the floor. i guess there is a button or a sensor back there that isn't picking up the the action correctly. any suggestions on fixing this problem and where i might find that sensor.

 

OK, I'll assume you have a B-Series truck or you wouldn't be posting here. Everybody needs to include pertinent info like year, model, miles, etc., in his posts. Anyway, on these trucks, the brake light switch is on the pedal linkage, under the dashboard; since you state you DO get brake lights when you pound hard on the pedal, you do not have an issue with wiring, sockets, bulbs. You do have a problem with your switch; I can't remember, and it's too late right now for me to check, but I think the switch actuator is pushed down in the brake "rest" position (no continuity, called "open"), and that actuator should spring out to "close" the circuit when you push the brake pedal down. If that actuator isn't springing out, maybe even some WD-40 will free it, and you may have nothing to lose there by trying it.

 

Sorry, i have a 99 b2500. So i need to look under the dash for the switch? If so is there anything i need to remove in order to access the switch?

 

Aha - you have a Ford Ranger. Yes, look at the brake pedal and the underdash support, you should see it. You may also have a similar switch in addition if you have cruise control.