Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 642

Fig. 8: Identifying Support Bracket, Wire Harness Connector, Plunger Adjustment Release Lever, Brake 
Lamp Switch & Brake Pedal 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.  

2. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel. Refer to REMOVAL .  

3. Locate the brake lamp switch (4) near the support bracket (1) on the lower steering column.  

4. Disconnect the wire harness connector (2) from the brake lamp switch.  

5. Rotate the brake lamp switch housing counterclockwise about 30 degrees to align the tabs on the switch 

locking collar with the keyed mounting hole in the switch mounting bracket.  

diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) 
cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before 
performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to 
disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in 
accidental airbag deployment.

CAUTION: The brake lamp switch self-adjusting switch plunger is a one time only 

feature. If the switch is removed from the mounting bracket, it MUST be 
replaced with a new switch.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Lamps/Lighting - Exterior - Service Information - Nitro

  

6. Pull the switch straight back from the keyed hole to remove it from the bracket.  

7. Discard the removed brake lamp switch.  

INSTALLATION 

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH 

WARNING:

To avoid serious or fatal injury on vehicles equipped with airbags, disable 
the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) before attempting any steering 
wheel, steering column, airbag, Occupant Classification System (OCS), 
seat belt tensioner, impact sensor, or instrument panel component 
diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) 
cable, then wait two minutes for the system capacitor to discharge before 
performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to 
disable the SRS. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in 
accidental airbag deployment.

CAUTION: The brake lamp switch self-adjusting switch plunger is a one time only 

feature. If the switch is removed from the mounting bracket, it MUST be 
replaced with a new switch.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Lamps/Lighting - Exterior - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 9: Identifying Support Bracket, Wire Harness Connector, Plunger Adjustment Release Lever, Brake 
Lamp Switch & Brake Pedal 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal (5) in the depressed position.  

2. Align the tabs on the brake lamp switch (4) locking collar with the keyed hole in the switch mounting 

bracket.  

3. Insert the tabs on the brake lamp switch locking collar through the keyed hole in the switch mounting 

bracket until the switch housing is firmly seated against the bracket.  

4. Rotate the switch clockwise about 30 degrees to engage the tabs on the locking collar with the switch 

mounting bracket.  

5. Release the brake pedal. 

6. Release the brake pedal, but do not pull it upward.  

7. Rotate the plunger adjustment release lever (3) clockwise until it locks into place. The lever should be 

parallel to the brake lamp switch connector receptacle. This action will set the switch plunger length to a 
final adjustment position and cannot be undone. If not performed properly the first time, a new brake 
lamp switch must be installed.  

8. Reconnect the wire harness connector (2) to the brake lamp switch.  

9. Reinstall the steering column opening cover onto the instrument panel. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

10. Reconnect the battery negative cable.  

LAMP-HIGH MOUNTED STOP 

REMOVAL 

CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP 

CAUTION: Do not release or pull up on the brake pedal before the switch 

plunger adjustment has been completed.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Lamps/Lighting - Exterior - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 10: Identifying Liftgate Outer Panel, Screws, Washer Supply Hose, Plastic Nuts, Liftgate Wire 
Harness Connector & Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.  

2. Remove the two screws (2) that secure the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL) (6) to the upper 

header of the liftgate outer panel (1).  

3. Pull the CHMSL down and away from the liftgate far enough to access and disconnect the washer supply 

hose (3) from the barbed nipple of the rear washer nozzle at the back of the lamp housing.  

4. Disconnect the liftgate wire harness connector (5) from the back of the lamp housing.  

5. Remove the CHMSL from the liftgate.  

INSTALLATION 

CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP 

Fig. 11: Identifying Liftgate Outer Panel, Screws, Washer Supply Hose, Plastic Nuts, Liftgate Wire 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Lamps/Lighting - Exterior - Service Information - Nitro