I have a Jaguar xk8 2001, the brake works extremely fine, just got new pads and rotors and had a flush for the brake lines.

The problem is that in order to turn the brake light off I have to literally tap the pedal upwards with my foot. What could this be? I've had a kia mini van where the hand brake light wouldn't go off unless I did the same thing, tap upwards though it was already released, is this the brake switch, bad spring or what? And how do I go about fixing it. Before I go buying expensive parts that aren't the issue.


Another thing to state is the alternator is faulty, I still have that on order

Again the brakes work fine, they are extra active and feel good. Car did sit for 4 months before my purchase, it had a lot of work done.

 

The first no-cost action I would suggest is to reset the self-adjusting bit of the switch. Look up above the brake pedal itself and you'll see the switch that you can see here - it's the pale greeny-white plastic box.


The white part, that is where the bar on the brake pedal lever operates the switch, can be reset using a pair of needle nose pliers like this to open it up without even having to remove the switch




so it looks like this


The brake pedal lever, when released against it, should now reset it to its correct position and hopefully the brake lights will switch on and off at the appropriate times

 

Man I love this community! Thank you so much I'll try these steps when I go back outside to the car

 

Update: I went in the floor well and started to try and see how the pedal interacted with the mechanicism, after a bit I pushed the plastic peice out while pushing the brake pedal to allow the brake to engage and then letting go allowing the brake pedal to touch the indicator and boom! It reset. Now it reacts perfectly with the brake. Thanks!!

When yours resets to another position it should make a click sound for people having the same issue

 

Do not pull UP on the brake pedal. Just let the pedal come back naturally.

If you pull on the pedal, you will have the same problem you had before. (ask me how I know)