When I was in my 20s I would fling my feet over the seat back and work under the dash of my 2002 and 320i with no troubles. I'm blaming advancing years. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

If redbull's suggestion is not enough (brake pedal won't move very far), then crack a bleeder on one brake caliper and push the pedal to the floor for access. Close bleeder w/ pedal on floor or you'll pull air back in when you release. You will need at least one helper to press/hold the brake pedal while you crack the bleeder.

I did this first time I had this problem on a Acura TL w/ same arrangement but even less room under dash.

Lube the plug w/ something to allow easier push-on.

good luck

 

Find a 10-year-old kid in the neighborhood who can still bend his arms every which way. I'm 56 and can't bend the way I used to. Still, the Accord is bigger than the 74 tii I used to own.

 

LOL! I would love to have that tii. The thing about those old cars was that there was usually room to get in and do things.

Update: Problem fixed. A young friend was supposed to look at the problem but we've been having rainstorms on a regular basis and I wouldn't ask anyone to work on a car in a torrential downpour.

I couldn't get under there and get enough leverage to get that danged little button installed so I took a tip from one of the respondents to my question.

I found a bolt that would fit (I think that it is an 8 mm) and wedging myself under the dash got that put through the hole. My original intent was to put a nut on the back and tighten that down to hold it in place. That didn't happen because I couldn't get in there to get the nut in place.

What to do? Took a tip from another respondent. Mixed up a bit of epoxy slathered it onto the bolt to hold it in place.

The epoxy has set and the brake lights work as they should.

I really feel sorry for the mechanics who have to work on these things on a daily basis. As much as I hate paying them, they do earn their money.

As always, thanks for all the help.

 

Cool.....just do yourself a favor- if the cruise control worked before, be sure it is still working. The brake switch has "two" positions, one will leave the brake light system "open" - meaning the brake lights are off. The other has to "close", letting the cruise control know that the brakes are not on.....letting the cruise set.

That is why I like the factory fix. All of the "settings" are there after replacing the part.....if you are off by 1~2mm the brake lights work but the cruise doesn't . Again just my two cents.....oh and if replacing the "stopper" was fun.....just try adjusting the brake light switch.