Faulty ABS & Brake Lights: Mechanic Trust Issues Ahead?

I had a similar issue with my 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander last summer. The ABS and brake lights came on together, and like you, I first thought it was just the brake light switch. However, when I took it to my mechanic, it turned out the ABS module was faulty and had corroded wire connections. The brake lights weren't working because the brake light switch had moisture damage that was causing a short circuit. The ABS module issue was pretty serious since it affected the entire braking safety system. The mechanic had to replace the module and repair several corroded wires. For the brake lights, they replaced the switch and cleaned the connector terminals. The whole job was a bit complex because they had to diagnose both issues separately to make sure there weren't any other underlying problems. They also had to reprogram the new ABS module to work with my car's computer system. If you're having both these issues at once, I'd definitely get it checked out soon. It's not something you want to ignore, especially since it involves your braking system. My advice would be to find a mechanic who specializes in Asian cars or, better yet, Mitsubishi specifically.

Hey, thanks for the detailed reply! Quick question, do you remember roughly how much you ended up paying for all that work? And has everything been running smoothly since the repair? Just trying to get an idea of what I might be looking at cost-wise and whether it's likely to be a long-term fix.

Hey there! Happy to help update you on my experience. Actually, I got pretty lucky with my Outlander situation. After taking it to a different mechanic for a second opinion, it turned out my issue was way simpler than what I first thought. The brake light switch was indeed faulty, but guess what? It was just installed incorrectly! One of those facepalm moments, you know? The mechanic basically just needed to reposition and properly secure the switch, no parts needed to be replaced at all. Since it was such a quick fix (literally took them like 15 minutes), they didn't even charge me for it. Both the ABS and brake lights went off immediately after they sorted it out, and I haven't had any issues since then, it's been running perfectly smooth. So yeah, sometimes what seems like a major problem can turn out to be something really simple. Definitely worth getting a second opinion if you're not sure about your first mechanic's diagnosis. I know I was relieved when I didn't have to shell out for that ABS module replacement I was worried about!

Wow, what a relief to hear about your experience! You won't believe it, but I actually just went through something similar. After your message, I decided to try a different mechanic, this guy Mike who was recommended by a. Best decision ever! Like your case, it wasn't nearly as complicated as my first mechanic made it sound. Turned out the brake light switch just needed some cleaning and proper adjustment. The whole thing cost me $75, mostly labor, and took less than an hour. The ABS light went off right away, and my brake lights are working perfectly now. I'm honestly kicking myself for stressing so much about it initially. That first mechanic had me thinking I'd need to sell a kidney or something! Thanks again for sharing your story, it gave me the push I needed to get a second opinion. My car's running great now, and I've found a mechanic I can actually trust. Sometimes the simple solution really is the right one!