1984-1988 Dodge Colt Brake Light Switch: An Owner's Guide
Keep your classic Colt safe and on the road by understanding this simple but critical part.
- A faulty brake light switch is a critical safety issue; replace it immediately if your brake lights are not working.
- For this vehicle, quality aftermarket brands like Standard Ignition and Beck Arnley are excellent and reliable choices.
- Replacement is a simple DIY task that usually takes less than 30 minutes and requires no special tools.
- Symptoms include brake lights not working, staying on, or working intermittently.
Is Your Dodge Colt's Brake Light Switch Failing?
For a car like the 1984-1988 Dodge Colt, most repairs are straightforward. The brake light switch is no exception. However, a failing switch is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention. Since these cars were also sold as the Mitsubishi Mirage, information for that model often applies directly to your Colt.
Common Symptoms of Failure
Watch for these clear signs that your brake light switch needs replacement:
🎬 Watch this video to see common bad brake light switch symptoms.- Brake Lights Don't Work: This is the most obvious and dangerous symptom. If none of your brake lights come on when you press the pedal, the switch is a likely culprit (after checking the bulbs and fuse first).
- Brake Lights Stay On: A switch that fails in the 'on' position will keep your brake lights lit constantly, which can drain your battery and confuse other drivers. This can happen if the switch is internally shorted or if the small plastic stopper on the pedal arm breaks off.
- Intermittent Brake Lights: If your brake lights flicker or only work sometimes, the internal contacts of the switch are likely worn out.
Safety First: A Critical Repair
Driving without functional brake lights is extremely dangerous and illegal. It dramatically increases your risk of being rear-ended. If you confirm your brake lights are not working, do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Switch
For a vehicle from the 1980s, finding a new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part from Dodge or Mitsubishi is highly unlikely. Aftermarket parts are your go-to option, and for a simple component like a brake light switch, they are a perfectly reliable choice. The key is choosing a brand with a good reputation for quality control.
| Brand | General Reputation & Notes |
|---|---|
| Standard Ignition (Standard Motor Products) | Often considered a top-tier aftermarket brand. They have a long history of producing reliable electronic components and replacement parts that meet or exceed original specifications. Many professional mechanics trust Standard parts. |
| Beck Arnley | Known for sourcing parts from manufacturers that often supply the original automakers. For Japanese vehicles like the Colt (a rebadged Mitsubishi), this often means getting a part that is very close to the original in fit and quality. |
| Facet | A European brand with a generally positive reputation for producing OE-quality components. While less common in the US market, their switches are typically well-made. |
| Rostra Powertrain | A well-regarded manufacturer of automotive electronics, including transmission components and cruise control systems. Their switches are built to OE performance standards and are a reliable choice. |
Pro Tip: Check the Connector
Before ordering, it's a good idea to look at your existing switch. Confirm the number of electrical pins (terminals) and the shape of the connector. While most parts for the 1984-1988 Colt are consistent, this quick check can prevent ordering mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it hard to replace a brake light switch on a 1984-1988 Colt?
No, this is a very easy DIY job for most owners. It typically takes less than 30 minutes. The switch is located above the brake pedal. You'll need to get into the driver's side footwell, disconnect the electrical connector, and then twist the switch to remove it. 🎬 See how to replace and adjust the switch on a Mirage. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Are there any recalls for the Dodge Colt brake light switch?
Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database did not show any specific recalls for the brake light switch on the 1984-1988 Dodge Colt. Recalls for brake light switches on other, much newer Dodge models do exist, but they do not apply to this vehicle.
What's the difference between an OEM and aftermarket switch for my Colt?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are what the car was built with. For a 35+ year old car, these are likely no longer produced. Aftermarket parts are made by other companies. For a simple switch, a quality aftermarket part from a brand like Standard Ignition or Beck Arnley will perform just as well as the original.
My brake lights work, but my cruise control doesn't. Could it be the switch?
Yes, it's possible. Many brake light switches have a second circuit inside them specifically for the cruise control system. When you tap the brakes, this circuit tells the cruise control to disengage. 🎬 Learn how a faulty switch can cause cruise control malfunctions. If this part of the switch fails, it can prevent the cruise control from setting.
How do I know I'm ordering the exact right part?
The best way is to use a vehicle compatibility checker on the parts website. Enter your year, make, model (1984-1988 Dodge Colt), and engine size. You can also cross-reference the OEM part number if you can find it. For this generation of Colt, a common Mitsubishi part number is MB113081. Visually matching the connector on your old part to pictures of the new part is also a great final check.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: MB113081
Typically features a 2-blade male terminal connector inside a rectangular female plug. The switch activates via a push-style plunger and screws into the pedal bracket.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Dodge Colt: