08 Mazda 3 wont shift out of park

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2008 Mazda 3
Hi guys, first time posting so excuse my ignorance. My mazda wont shift out of park. The brake lights don't come on when I press the pedal, so the car doesn't think I'm pressing the brake and trying to shift out of park. It will shift out eventually (waiting 5-10mins or pumping the brakes alot) and when it does, the brake lights come back on. However they completely turn off again after I get it into drive. Looking around online it seems that the brake light switch could be the problem. How would I be able to tell if that's the case? I am very inexperienced with cars but I don't want to take it to a shop and them rip me off for a $20 part. So in plain english (or maybe pictures), how do I test the brake light switch?

Thanks to all who can help and give any advice :)
 
Most likely, the brake light switch is malfunctioning if no voltage is being received at the tail lights. According to what you are experiencing, the most likely culprit is the brake light switch, since the lights will turn on after you work the switch repeatedly. Take a look at it to see how it is assembled to the fixed member. Of course, move the seat all the way back before doing this.
 
Most likely, the brake light switch is malfunctioning if no voltage is being received at the tail lights. According to what you are experiencing, the most likely culprit is the brake light switch, since the lights will turn on after you work the switch repeatedly. Take a look at it to see how it is assembled to the fixed member. Of course, move the seat all the way back before doing this.

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback! That seems to be what I am finding other places too. Could you fill me in a little more about what I should be looking for on the switch or how to tell if it's faulty? Obviously if something is unplugged or corroded or something like that I could tell but otherwise Im not quite sure what to look for.
 
It is possible it is just a loose connection, but more likely it is the switch itself that is not working correctly. The way to determine if it is the switch would be to check the continuity of the wiring leading to the switch however unless you have a pinout and know what voltages or resistance to expect to see on your multimeter for each wire that would be difficult. If you don't have a service manual Easiest way to check is un-plug it, and plug it back in to see if the connector was loose and if that doesn't work just replace it. It is only about a $15 part. This video here shows you where the brake light switch is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLMFk997als

According to this article to replace the switch you have to remove the brake pedal which to me seems a bit ridiculous, but it's possible it is correct.
https://www.2carpros.com/questions/2004-mazda-3-brake-switch

Depending if you have cruise control or not a new switch is either of these part numbers
http://onlinemazdaparts.com/parts/2...ber=BP4K66490A&vehicleid=204552&siteid=214264
http://onlinemazdaparts.com/parts/2...mber=BN7N66490&vehicleid=204552&siteid=214264

Hope this helps
 
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Many switches can be checked with a simple multimeter set to continuity. One lead from the meter touches one wire or pin from a connector and the another wire or pin shows continuity (connection) of the two wires or pins when the lever is actuated.

Here's a simplified (animated GIF) schematic:

http://www.fatfenderedtrucks.com/scans/signal_3_3rd_light.gif
 
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