LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Subaru >> 1996 >> Legacy Outback, 2.2 3 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Brakes >> Traction Control >> Anti-Lock Brake System - With TCS >> Testing >> Test 10: Stroke Sensor/BRAKELIGHT Switch Problem
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Test 10: Stroke Sensor/BRAKELIGHT Switch Problem

  1. Ensure stroke sensor/brakelight switch is installed properly. Inspect brakelight operation. Repair as necessary.
  2. Turn ignition off. Disconnect stroke sensor/brakelight switch connectors. Remove stroke sensor/brakelight switch. See Fig 1 . Measure resistance between terminals No. 1 and 3 at stroke sensor connector. If resistance is 570-630 ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 570-630 ohms, replace stroke sensor/brakelight switch.
  3. With stroke sensor/brakelight switch rod at specified position, measure resistance between terminals No. 1 and 3 at stroke sensor connector. See STROKE SENSOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. See Fig 1 . If resistance is not as specified, replace stroke sensor/brakelight switch. If switch is okay, go to next step.
    STROKE SENSOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS

    Stroke Length In. (mm) (1) Ohms
    0-.14 (0-3.6) 95-105
    .10-.24 (2.6-6.0) 190-210
    .20-.32 (5.0-8.1) 285-315
    .29-.43 (7.4-10.8) 380-420
    .39-.73 (9.8-18.5) 475-525
    (1) Measure distance between end of stroke sensor/brakelight switch housing and end of stroke sensor/brakelight switch rod. See Fig 1 .
    Fig 1: Identifying Stroke Sensor/Brakelight Connector Terminals
    G96J20486Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Measure resistance between stroke sensor/brakelight switch threaded part of housing and each terminal at stroke sensor connector. If all resistance readings are infinite, go to next step. If any resistance reading is not infinite, replace stroke sensor/brakelight switch.
  5. With stroke sensor/brakelight switch rod at specified position, measure resistance between terminals No. 2 and 3 at brakelight switch connector. See BRAKELIGHT SWITCH RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS table. See Fig 1 . Replace stroke sensor/brakelight switch as necessary. If switch is okay, go to next step.
    BRAKELIGHT SWITCH RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS

    Stroke Length In. (mm) (1) Ohms
    0-.13 (0-3.2) Infinite
    .05-.73 (1.2-18.5) 1 Or Less
    (1) Measure distance between end of stroke sensor/brakelight switch housing and end of stroke sensor/brakelight switch rod. See Fig 1 .
  6. Measure resistance between stroke sensor/brakelight switch threaded part of housing and terminals No. 2 and 3 at brakelight switch connector. If both resistance readings are infinite, go to next step. If any resistance reading is not infinite, replace stroke sensor/brakelight switch.
  7. Measure voltage between ground and terminal No. 3 at brakelight switch connector. If battery voltage exists, go to next step. If battery voltage does not exist, repair wiring harness as necessary.
  8. Reinstall stroke sensor/brakelight switch and connectors. Disconnect ABS/TCS control unit connectors. Measure voltage between ground and terminal No. 7 at ABS/TCS control unit 20-pin harness connector. See Figure . With brake pedal depressed, voltage should be battery voltage. With brake pedal released, voltage should be zero volts. If voltage is as specified, go to next step. If voltage is not as specified, repair wiring harness as necessary.
  9. Reconnect ABS/TCS control unit connectors. Depress brake pedal. Ensure stoplights illuminate. Repair wiring, fuse and/or bulbs as needed. Go to next step.
  10. Disconnect ABS/TCS control unit connectors. With brake pedal released, measure resistance between terminals No. 4 and 14 at ABS/TCS control unit 20-pin harness connector. Resistance should be 570-630 ohms. Measure resistance between terminals No. 5 and 14 at ABS/TCS control unit 20-pin connector. Resistance should be 95-105 ohms. If resistance is as specified, go to next step. If resistance is not as specified, repair wiring harness as necessary.
  11. Measure resistance between ground and terminals No. 4, 5 and 14 at ABS/TCS control unit 20-pin harness connector. If all resistance readings are infinite, go to next step. If any resistance reading is not infinite, repair wiring harness as necessary.
  12. Reconnect all connectors. Perform sequence control. See SEQUENCE CONTROL  under SELF-DIAGNOSTICS. Check front brake pressures. If pressures are okay, replace ABS/TCS control unit. If pressures are not as specified, replace hydraulic unit.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals