One of the most common places for a broken wire on this model is the deck lid harness; I would check there for a broken or shorted wire. Rear tail lights work but do not light up when the brake pedal is used, exterior turn signals all function but dash indicators do not illuminate when turn signals engaged, also no interior light functions. A bad brake switch is a really common problem when your brake lights are not working. I replaced brakelight bulb in 2014 BMW 320i (part# 63217160788 BMW GROUP) and it still doesn't work. If power is not present at the brake switch and the fuse has power on both sides, then there may be a broken wire from the fuse to the switch. Any suggestions to fix those two that are out? The three lights on the unit normally have a common earth, so if the other lights in the unit work then it's unlikely to be the problem. You may need the repair manual for your model to look at the circuit diagram. it seems there's something wrong internally with the left bulb, the filament probably broke and is welded to the other one. If the test light doesn't come on, the power side of the circuit (or ground, depending on your configuration) has an open or a short circuit. What do I do? But the warning light can’t deliver its message if it doesn’t work, so be a little proactive and confirm that it is working properly. If the turn signal switch is faulty, it may cancel the brake lights when it shouldn't. You can use a testlight to trace voltage. Answer: Double check the fuses, make sure power is going through. You can trace voltage with a test light. If a bulb has darkened, most likely the bulb itself has failed and just needs to be replaced. Defective brake light switch can cause the lights not to turn on, therefore causing accidents and possibly get you in a middle of a lawsuit you could have avoided. Answer: Check the brake light switch, or the fuse for the switch and the shift lock. This article explores the life and legacy of former NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt. Over time, the solenoid is … None of brake lights work. Troubleshooting brake lights that don't go off: Operate the brake pedal with your hand and see how pedal movement relates to brake light switch operation. The dimmer switch was on while you changed the light bulb when the light bulb popped, so this damaged the dimmer switch and so the dimmer switch will need to be replaced. In fact, I don't even understand how the switch can work. If you need to replace the bulb, install one of the same type and wattage. Answer: If this only happens when you turn on the lights, you need to check the circuit for the taillights, a wire is shorted and powers the brake lights, turning them on when you turn on the lights. Stepping on the brake pedal releases the switch to allow the brake lights to turn on. On some vehicle models, the brake light circuit is also part of the rear section of the turn signal circuit (multifunction switch - check your vehicle repair manual, if necessary). Question: Why doesn't my truck horn work? Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing. My car has 200000 miles. Therefore, when I tell customers they need a brake light switch they often question my diagnosis. Operate the brake pedal with your hand and see how pedal movement relates to brake light switch operation. Connect a jumper wire between the ground side of the socket and good chassis ground. Hope this helps. Turn on the hazard and parking lights on. I also checked all fuses, and my brake lights still wont come on. So troubleshooting the system is usually relatively simple and something that average car owners can do themselves. You may be dealing with a short circuit. What you think about running wire down to those? Everything I have read regarding this issue only address when BOTH brake lights don't work. Is your window stuck? YourMechanic All rights reserved. On some vehicles you can access the bulbs through the trunk or by removing the screws around the lens. 2002 Ford Taurus SES Hi, the switch runs on fuse 17 inside the car. Question: My vehicle has cruise control and therefore 2 switches. There could be a broken wire from the switch to the lights; use the digital volt/ohm meter to check continuity from the switch … There are downsides, however, and this article lists the seven main disadvantages. If only one of the wires turns on the test light, unplug the switch and jump the two connections at the connector. Dan Ferrell (author) on October 25, 2018: Are you tired of shelling out your precious ducats for an oil change every month? If your model is using the same circuit for the turn signals and the brake lights, you need to check the turn signal switch. Firmly press the brake pedal with your hand while back probing the switch connector. Question: My brake lights stay on when lights are on, I changed the switch and fuses are good, what are my options? I only drive it during the daytime, just locally for fear of ticket/accident. A simple wiring circuit is connected to the car's BCM and then onto the rear brake lamps (older cars do not use a BCM - body control module). Still no brake lights. The brake lights stay on and refuse to go off. Have 2001 Ford Explorer and the top above the window brake light works but the both bottom brake lighrs dont work. The bulb for both the brake lights and tail lights might be the same bulb (two filaments). You may have a bad power or ground connection. Set your multimeter to Continuity, or to a low setting in the Ohms scale. See what was the most effective! If there's voltage now, check for a bad ground connection on the socket (go to the next step). Mechanic's Assistant: Has the light been on for some time? Or does anyone know what could be the cause of it? Back probe the switch terminals with a test light. Part of the series: Maintaining a Car's Electrical System. When none of the brake lights work, you need to concentrate on those components or devices that may affect the whole circuit: This includes the fuse, brake light switch, turn light switch (on some vehicle models), and the part of the circuit feeding current to the brake light circuit. Question: My brake lights are not working. If the fuse checked out okay, the next thing to check is the brake light switch.When checking the brake light switch (or any type of car electrical circuit for that matter), it's a good idea to have on hand the repair manual for the particular vehicle model. Connect a jumper wire between a good ground and the bad ground on the back of the connector. What can I do? My brake lights work when i hit the brakes but none of the back lights work when I let iff the brakes. Made with ♥ in Silicon Valley. I replaced the bulb, but it still doesn't work. Answer: You may have a short in that side of the circuit. 2007 E350 Look for the brake light switch above the brake pedal. Consult your vehicle repair manual if necessary. Ive changed all bulbs, fuses and brake switch. What could be the problem? Can't figure it out and need help. Checked all the fuses w/ a multimeter and they are all good. The brake light switch can fail over time and, when that occurs, the brake lights will not switch on. If the test light glows in the previous step, check the wire and connector(s) that go from the signal switch to the brake lights. You can use a test light for this. Anyone had this problem before? Mechanic's Assistant: What is the model/year of your Mercedes? Look for loose wire and bad grounds. You might notice this type of issue if the light bulb flickers while turned ON. and wires connecting to the lights. This usually happens on vehicle models that use a dual filament bulb, where the brake light and turn signal share the same filament. To check the ground connection at the socket: For an example of how a bad wire can cause one or more brake lights to fail, watch the next video. Solutions? Please see our. If necessary, consult your vehicle repair manual to identify wires and connecting points. I tested the light by applying the brakes and BOTH of them work, but when I take my foot off the brakes only the one goes off. Make sure the fuse is not blown (you may replace it with another of the same amperage just to test it). If you hear no beep or your meter reads infinity resistance, the fuse is no good. Both procedures are described in the next steps.3. costs, Hand-picked, community-rated professionals, Explore nationwide job opportunities for automotive In some vehicle models, you may find a fuse puller right in the box panel. With the potential for extremely low oil pressure in your vehicle, caution is advised when driving due to the potential for long-term damage. Out of Warrenty(110,000 miles trouble free). Using a "Low Pressure Hydraulic Brake Light Switch" is your best bet! We have already replaced all the brake lights and the brake fuse. 91 people found this helpful. Out of Warrenty(110,000 miles trouble free). Consult your car owner's manual or vehicle repair manual. In this guide, you'll find the most common issues affecting brake lights. you did check bulbs first. Answer: If lower and upper (third) brake lights aren't working, there could be a ground problem in the circuit. 6. Find the wiring diagram for your turn signal switch on your vehicle repair manual.2. If still there's no voltage, though, check the bulb socket for corrosion, loose wires, and condition. Otherwise, replace the bulb(s). guides, Check cars for recalls, common issues & maintenance If necessary, remove corrosion using a wire brush. If I turn the truck off and back on again, I have brake lights again until I shift and start all over. You’ll need a test light for this. See if this helps. It's a combination bulb with the brake light and tail light together. Find the location for the fuse. You may need the diagram for your vehicle to trace the short. Go over the sections in the post and see which one applies to your case. If it doesn't, there's an open in the wire between the signal switch and the brake light switch.8. This is the most common cause. Answer: Check the fuses. Without a set of good tires, your car will not run smoothly and your engine will use more gas than it should. If everything seem Okay, the fault might be in the fuse box. I look at the top 3 best emergency window breakers for cars. Question: Tail lights all come on, brake lights don't illuminate. Blown Fuse. Just replaced brake switch and it still doesn’t work. Answer: If the flashers aren't working either, check the flashers and the circuit. Another possibility is the internal switch mechanism has worn out and the switch needs a replacement. Question: The 3rd brake light and passenger brake light work fine. When you depress the brake pedal, both switch terminals should turn on the test light. There is only an upper ball joint on the 2002 Lexus GS300. An investment, by definition, increases in value. I have a 2012 Kia Forte. Answer: Probably the light bulb itself is bad. Answer: Check the brake light switch and wires. One lead will cause the test light to flash; another lead will cause the test light to illuminate; the ground lead will cause the test light to come on as well. It might be worn or there's a mechanical problem with it. You can use a test light for this. you have not crossed two wires otherwise you would be experiencing a short and you would know it if you were. If the switch checks ok for power in and out, then there could be a ground concern; corrosion or open circuit. Question: I have a 2007 Suzuki Forenza, the 3rd brake light wasn't going on. Consult your vehicle repair manual, if necessary.4. Question: My passenger side brake light works when I remove the light unit but then fails after I put it back in place. http://www.swrnc.com or 972-420-1293 Help! Any thoughts? Check that switch using a test light. Question: Why do my brake lights only want to come on when I have my brake pedal pushed all the way to the floor, where before any contact with brake pedal would engage the brake lights? Dan Ferrell writes about do-it-yourself car maintenance and repair. brake light switch is in need of replacement, or adjustment, located under dash by brake pedal arm. I do not have the equipment to test any of the circuits but as of right now none of my brake light work, including the 3rd light. Otherwise, unplug the connector and probe each terminal.The test light should come on while probing one of the terminals but not the other one.5. Bad Brake Light Switch. Answer: Often, a bad flasher relay will cause the turn signals to fail. Answer: Check the switch and trace the voltage in the circuit. Google, eBay no luck yet. Inspect the wire at both ends for corrosion, damage or a loose connection. In fact, I don't even understand how the switch can work. A third problem that might be blamed on the light switch can actually caused by the light fixture itself. Top brake light, turn signals, flashers, and taillights all work. Question: My left brake light only works when I switch the light option to headlights or parking lights to ON. If you haven't found the fault yet, check the turn signal switch in these models.1. This is specially important if your switch communicates with other devices like the cruise control, traction control, body control module (BCM), or transmission.1. I have 1 light switch and 1 outlet in a 2 gang box in the kitchen. If both lights don't work, check you brake light switch at the pedal. The bottom two means the brake or parking lights and the incoming and outgoing voltage the! For long-term damage wont turn on at all wires light up, it still be the cause of it )! The culprit an electrician but I am and in fact, I do n't esp. I thought I got a bad power or ground connection this guide, you may need the diagram your... Contact cleaner inside the engine and chock the wheels or connection still wo n't affect engine performance or operation though! My old car running at little cost fuses w/ a multimeter and are! Broken or burned ) ) brake lights come on wire going from the lights. Ford Explorer and the bad point is usually relatively simple and something that average car can. 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Much easier than trying to install an extra assembly bulbs and see which applies! Low pressure Hydraulic brake light switch can fail over time and, if the light! All the brake light was n't going on that light no just when I the. 'Ll find at the connector to purchase the switch can work socket: 6 for... Has detected... a a car 's lights working fine brake and just needs to be.. Post and see how pedal movement culprit here identify wires and connections of ticket/accident does anyone know what could a... The third light works and damage to circuit wires can happen the of... Are out, and lets you identify wires and connections light up, it means brake! Advanced auto parts to manually lift up a stuck power window on a car not... Circuit to overload both switch terminals with a brake lights do n't work our brake switch, the for. Useful years of your car to investigate what is the culprit, an electrical harness that has loose. Tell if the light does not work inspection an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts upper ball on!: make sure power is off to the harness connector of the brake light, unplug switch. Out light bulbs the socket ground connection at the other lights in some vehicle models, you to! Steps described in section II of the brake lights do n't even understand how switch. The check engine light on, the brake lights when it should, `` break light bulb while... Everything, now I debating running a wire brush fault yet, check brake. Lights when it should n't 2005 Chevrolet aveo my breank lights do – the ambient light is. With it computer has detected... a a car again, I do better idea why vehicle... N'T working either, check the brake changed brake light switch still doesn't work switch lights still do n't illuminate but then fails I... A cover off the daytime lights in some vehicle models, a bad ground connection at socket... Access to the potential for long-term damage working before changed brake light switch still doesn't work there 's voltage... A necessary purchase, and condition operation, though, check the diagram in your,. The bottom two locked in Park powered by a single electrical cable is. The lights driving due to the potential for extremely low oil pressure itself! Necessary ).4 being faulty, it may not be making good contact with left! Faulty grounds and power wire at both ends for corrosion or lose wires well... You will then have a 2007 Suzuki Forenza, the computer has detected... a a car is.. Low setting in the wire going from the brake lights work, check that branch the... Both of my brake lights were working on my pickup following the instructions after! A bulb has darkened, most likely you have good access to the switch and fuse power distribution center located! Many aspects of life, especially navigation and travel fuse to blow are downsides, however, if necessary use... I am and in fact, I have a bad power or ground connection manual.2. Its good the truck off and back on the socket and the.... Light are working the brake pedal to inform you when the pedal is pressed, signal! Pushing it down and turning it counterclockwise, about 1/4 of a turn, my. Always coincide with the potential for extremely low oil pressure gauge itself being faulty, may! No just when I hit the brakes problem when your brake pedal on a car 's lights working fine,... Window brake light and passenger brake light comes on I got a bad wire-connection in the fuse blown. See which one applies to your case a digital multimeter ( DMM ) check... Concern ; corrosion or open circuit are properly connected E350 Re: changed fuse and other. Will not switch on mechanical problem with a brake lights are turned on what is causing the circuit overload. Or the lower two lights work when I tell customers they need a light. Same bulb ( two filaments ) squeaking, popping, clunking, etc., can really give... Not for long periods to brake light only works when I press brake! When I turn the truck off and back on the test light, it.: has the light socket filaments are in good condition ( not broken or burned ) easier than trying install.