Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSDODGE AND RAM1999DAKOTA SLT, 2D PICKUP, 3.9 X, 4WD, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE PERFORMANCESYSTEMENGINE CONTROLS - TESTS W/CODESSELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTSNTC-15A: CHECKING BRAKE SWITCH
1999 Dodge and Ram Dakota SLT, 2D Pickup, 3.9 X, 4WD, Standard
NTC-15A: Checking Brake Switch
1999 Dodge and Ram Dakota SLT, 2D Pickup, 3.9 X, 4WD, StandardSECTION NTC-15A: Checking Brake Switch
- If vehicle is not equipped with Speed Control (S/C), go to 5. If vehicle is equipped with S/C, go to next step.NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see CONNECTOR IDENTIFICATION . For circuit identification and wiring diagram, see DAKOTA wiring diagrams in WIRING DIAGRAMS article.
- Turn ignition on, with engine off. Ensure brake pedal is not pressed. Using scan tool, actuate S/C solenoids. Using a 12-volt test light connected to ground, probe brake switch connector, s/C brake switch output circuit. Press brake pedal. If test light goes off when brake pedal is pressed and comes on when pedal is released, go to 5. If test light does not go off when pedal is pressed and come on when pedal is released, go to next step.
- Check brake switch adjustment. Adjust brake switch as necessary. Perform TEST VER-2A. If brake switch adjustment is okay, go to next step.
- At this time, brake switch is assumed to be defective. Replace brake switch. Perform TEST VER-2A.
- Using scan tool, read brake switch input while pressing and releasing brake pedal. If scan tool reading corresponds to position of brake pedal, brake switch is functioning properly. Test passed. If scan tool reading does not correspond to position of brake pedal, go to next step.NOTE: For circuit identification and wiring diagram, see appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article.
- Disconnect brake switch connector. Clean and/or repair connector as necessary. Perform TEST VER-2A. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance between ground and brakelight switch connector, ground circuit. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open ground circuit. Perform TEST VER-2A. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Reconnect brake switch connector. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Ensure brake pedal is not pressed. Using a 12-volt test light connected to ground, backprobe brake switch connector, B+ circuit. If test light illuminates brightly, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate brightly, repair open B+ circuit. Perform TEST VER-2A.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect brake switch connector. Disconnect PCM connectors. PCM is located in engine compartment. See PCM LOCATION table under SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS. Clean and/or repair connectors as necessary. Using an ohmmeter, check resistance of brake switch sense circuit between brake switch connector and PCM. If resistance is less than 5 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is 5 ohms or more, repair open brake switch sense circuit. Perform TEST VER-2A.
- Ensure ignition is off. Ensure brake switch connector is still disconnected. Reconnect PCM connector. Connect a jumper wire between ground and brakelight switch connector, brake switch sense circuit. Using scan tool, read brake switch status. If scan tool displays RELEASED, replace brake switch. Perform TEST VER-2A. If scan tool does not display RELEASED, go to next step.
- Check brake switch adjustment. Adjust brake switch as necessary. Perform TEST VER-2A. If brake switch adjustment is okay, go to next step.
- At this time, PCM is assumed to be defective. Replace PCM. Perform TEST VER-2A.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.