An open contact would render the brake lights inoperativewhen the brake pedal is depressed. Also, the transmission clutch control andcruise control contacts would remain closed. This condition would result incruise resume upon brake pedal release if the cruise control is in the onposition. Either an unexpected cruise resume or inoperative brake lights couldresult in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The stop lamp switch may have a loose electrical contact. The loose contact can overheat and melt the surrounding plastic causing the contact to stick open.