Stop Lamp Switch Meltdown/Possible Fire

[007]

To all, Please be aware of the possibilty of brake lamp switch electrical fire/ meltdown. I changed my oil the other day, finished up and went to Advance to dump the old oil. On the way there I was experiencing a burning electrical smell. When I got to there it was evident something electrical was burning. I thought maybe running AC in econ mode with slight heat on, it was coming from there, but dismissed that idea quickly. Being a Mercedes Benz / Porsche tech for many years ago, I know that distinct smell. I'm thinking a major electrical fire as it's stinging my eyes, and if it starts burning I'm grabbing my belongings, and Fanning the fire, LOL. I dumped the oil and came out started the vehicle and couldn't pull it out of park. immediately thought, stop lamp switch. Got my flashlight and mirror and could not believe what I saw. The stop lamp switch is melted, and I mean melted. For the hell of it I checked to see if Advance had one. He had a listing on it, but he called Carquest Auto Parts down the road, knowing they carried more import parts, and they said they would have one in the AM. I pop the shifter cover up and release the solenoid and drive over to CQ to make sure they're bringing in the right part. On the way there I call LR and the parts guy says, my p/n is good, however it superceded to a new number which requires an additional harness, $50.00 for both. CQ, by application pulled up the same info, new type switch, and harness. CQ was able to find the old switch also. I bought all three parts for $44.00, and used the new style w/ harness, and have an extra old style which can still be used if needed. The best part is I asked the CQ girl what brand, and she said OE. Well as you can see from the pictures they are all Land Rover parts. So FYI, CarQuest Auto parts buys Land Rover parts to sell. She said call with a p/n anytime and she'll check availibility. I installed the new parts in two minutes, reinstalled the lower dash plastic cover and was good to go....................007