Hey everyone,

I have a 1999 Volvo S80 which needs to have the heater core replaced. I already have the new heater core, but I'm having trouble removing the broken one because I cannot for the life of me figure out how to take the brake lamp switch off. I called the local Volvo dealership here in town and they told me that they have a special tool that they use to take it off and that there is no other way. I have also seen on forums on the internet that there is a way to take it off by releasing some tabs but I haven't been able to do it. Lastly, I have seen in a couple different forums that say that the only way to remove it is to break it off and replace it with a new one, which I guess would coincide with what the dealership said. So, I'm confused because of all of the contradictions, and if possible I would rather not have to break it and pay for a new one. Can someone clear this up for me or possibly provide a link to pictures or video of how its done? Thanks in advance.

Kevin

 

This is probably a little late for Kevin but maybe it will help someone else in the future.

The brake light switch can be removed and re-installed without breaking it. You just have to depress the release tabs on the top and bottom of the switch. I was able to press one side at a time with a small pick tool and work it out. See the arrow in the pic...

 

easy tip[ push the brake pedal forward SLIDE the white sleeve forward .ONLY THEN can you depress the two tabs . pull unit out of bracket. When replacing slide white sleeve forward , push brake pedal forward, insert brake switch into bracket release pedal sleeve will retract locking in unit