Brake Lights don’t work
The power locks and the brake lights don't work. What should I do?
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If both of these features quit working at the same time, you may just have blown a fuse. If neither one of these are related, the problem may be two separate ones.
The power locks are controlled by a control module (computer), a door lock actuator, mechanical rods, wiring, and a fuse. If any of these parts are not up to par, this can cause the power locks to be inoperative.
As for the brake lights, this system consists of a lightbulb, wiring, a light socket, a fuse, and likely a lighting control module. Similarly, if any of these parts are not working properly, it can cause the brake lights not to work.
YourMechanic can send a qualified technician to your home or business to inspect your power door lock issue, as well as take a look at your inoperative brake lights, then recommend the best path to repair.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
Often, a bad fuse is to blame. Wiring—once again, wiring issues are key to pinpointing this problem. Any loose, frayed, damaged, or otherwise faulty wiring in your tail light system will usually not affect your brake lights because they are powered by different wiring systems.
If one or more of your brake lights aren`t working properly, it could mean one of three things: The brake light system fuse is blown, the brake light bulbs are burned out or the brake light wiring switch is broken. All these issues are easy to troubleshoot.
If your car won`t get out of park and your brake lights do not work, then it is most likely a defective brake light switch. The brake light switch energizes an unlock solenoid that allows your shift lever to move out of park. It is for safety, because you HAVE to have your foot on the BRAKE.
Blown Fuse or Broken Fuse Box
If your brake light switch works perfectly fine and yet the brake light doesn`t illuminate, you should check for a blown fuse or a broken fuse box. This is important because both these components affect the brake light circuit.
It is a 15amp fuse that powers the stop light switch on the brake pedal. The brake light switch sends power to rear brake lights.
Like all fuses, the brake light system fuse can be found in the power distribution center, which is under the dashboard or tucked away underneath the hood. Never heard of the power distribution center? It`s just the technical name for a fuse box.
Brake light problems can be caused by a blown fuse. If it`s blown, replace it with a new one. Check the amperage of the new unit and be sure it is the same as the old one. Otherwise, the problem might keep recurring.
The most common reasons your brake light is on: The Parking Brake is engaged. Brake Fluid is low or leaking. Worn brake pads.
You only need a Brake-Lite Relay if you`re installing a supplemental towed vehicle braking system that pushes or pulls the brake pedal. With the engine off, step on your brakes. If the brake lights do not illuminate, you do not need a Brake-lite Relay.
Current designs employ a relay, allowing a lower-voltage control circuit to operate the main power supply switch for the brake lights. This configuration creates a reliable switching mechanism with a long lifespan.
Ship Switchgears is a manufacturer of Fuse Holder and Carrier to suit the bolted type HRC Fuses. Housing made of electrical grade Bakelite powder material having High Electrical and Mechanical Properties, Non Inflammable, Fire Retardant and Self Extinguishing.
A brake light switch is an electrical switch that turns your brake lights on when you hit the brakes. It`s an integral part of your braking system and lets the driver behind you know that you`re slowing down. It also has a direct influence on your ABS, cruise control system, and more.
The Difference Between Brake Lights and Tail Lights
Your vehicle`s might be a bit unique, with separate globes. Tail lights are engaged when the you turn on your headlights or when your parking brake is on, whereas the brake lights will light up immediately when you apply pressure to the brakes.
The socket may have gone bad
Push the point of the tester through the wire insulation behind the socket to make contact with the wire. The tester should light for two of the three wires (the ground wire won`t light). If it lights for two wires, the wiring is good. Simply replace the socket.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
EPC light on 2004 Jetta. Code said brake switch faulty, but brakes lights worked. Replaced brake switch, now no brake lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. The first thing that pops in my mind beyond of what you have listed is perhaps the electrical harness attached to the brake switch. Perhaps the harness itself is damaged or you have an exposed wire, loose ground wire somewhere. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a brake lights not working inspection to help you diagnose this issue.
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Brake lights are not working. replaced brake light swtch still no brake lights. the third brake light the connection was melted at
ANSWER : The first thing to do is to repair third brake light and replace the brake light fuse and then see if the third brake lights work and the lower lights start working? If only the 3rd brake light starts working then you may need a further checks on the turn signal flasher or switch could be bad.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake Lights don’t work
Okay so when I turn my lights on at night my brake lights do not work, when I don’t have my lights on they work fine.
ANSWER : Hi there. Based on your inquiry, it’s highly probable that you have a damaged light switch or some electrical fault inside the turn signal relay. However, it’s also possible that the brake switch above the brake pedal could also be the source of your problem. Due to the fact that multiple electrical components might be causing this issue, it’s a smart idea to first have a professional mobile mechanic complete a brake lights are not working inspection, so they can determine what’s causing all of these issues and recommend the right repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake Lights don’t work
All dashboard lights and tail lights do not work after driving through a lot of snow. Headlights work. And brake lights work.
ANSWER : Hello. We’ll be happy to help you. There are a few things that I recommend checking to discover why your lighting system is malfunctioning. The headlight dimmer switch should be checked. Along with the wiring harness above the right front tire behind the fender well cover. Also
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
the main fuse under the hood should be inspected because other people with your particular vehicle have had similar lighting issues if that fuse goes bad. It will be a great idea to check the rest of the fuses in that area too while checking the main fuse. Once the fuses are checked inside of the main fuse box then I would check the fuses inside of their interior fuse box. The interior fuse box should be located on the driver side of the dashboard near where your legs would be. If you need more assistance with repairing your vehicle please keep in mind that our organization provides Mobile Mechanics who can help you diagnose and repair your vehicle, all at competitive rates.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake Lights don’t work
When I put my foot on the brake my back left brake light goes off, when I take it off the brake the brake light comes on
ANSWER : I would suggest trying to disconnect and reconnect the wiring to the rear lights. I have seen these older Toyota vehicles rear lighting short out on the lights themselves due to the way the light circuit was made on the lamp housing. Look at the housing circuit on the light to see if one is touching another, and that could tell you why it is malfunctioning. There could also be a problem with the brake light switch. If you are not comfortable dealing with wires, I recommend getting in touch with a certified mechanic who can look at your brake light issue for you to see what’s going on.
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No dash lights, back right tail light is out, no parking lights. Brake lights work though as does head lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. In many cases, when you have electrical problems like you’re describing, it’s caused by multiple electrical component failure. It’s likely that a few electrical relays are not working; especially if you have systems that utilize the same components (such as your brake light and tail lights). I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is damaged and recommend the right repairs.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake Lights don’t work
Brake light does not work.
ANSWER : Use the power wire from the brake light switch to activate the rear brake lights. By having an alternate power supply, ;the brake lights have no control without a switch, so the module is on but not functioning for the brake lights on the rear of the car. If you need further assistance with your brake module, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Brake lights on trunk not working
ANSWER : For some reason, when consulting the wiring diagram, I don’t see a trunk mounted brake light listed. I only see the high mount (one in the rear window) listed. Regardless, if the trunk bulb is not working with a new bulb, there is a problem with the circuit. Check for both power and ground at the bulb. Once you’ve determined which is lacking, you’ll have to trace the circuit to determine where the problem lies. Since you said all of the other brake lights work, the cruise control is likely unrelated. Electrical diagnosis can be difficult, so I suggest you have a trained professional tackle the problem with your brake lights for you.
Read Full Q/A … : Brake Lights don’t work
