Brake Light Switch problems of the 2000 Mercedes Benz ML320

While driving with the cruise control on, in the left lane of an interstate highway, a slower moving semi-trailer truck changed into my lane suddenly. I stepped on the brake to slow down. I noticed that there was much more brake pedal pressure required than normal to slow down. When I released the brake, the vehicle immediately accelerated toward the rear end of the truck. I also noticed that the bas/esp warning light had come on, indicating a failure on the brake light switch. The dealer indicated that the failure of this component was a known problem, and they always kept them in stock for that reason. Apparently the brake light switch also controls turning the cruise control off, when you step on the brake. I consider this to be a safety hazard. After this incident happened I verified that the brake lights were in fact not working, and also verified that stepping on the brake pedal would not cancel the cruise control. The brake light switch also controls the shift knob release, allowing you to shift out of "park" after starting the vehicle.

The contact owns a 2000 mercedes Ml320. The contact stated that she had to replace the break lamp switch several times as the brake lights stayed on while driving although the brakes were not applied. Also, when the switch went out she was not able to switch gears and the cruise control did not engage. The vehicle was taken to a local shop who diagnosed a faulty break lamp switch. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and current mileage was 360,000.