Why do my brake lights fail to work?
When the brake lights on your vehicle fail to work, there are several things that could be the cause: a blown fuse, a worn-out light switch, a burned out light bulb, and so many more problems.
When do you need to replace the brake light switch?
If the brake lights either stay on when they shouldn’t or do not turn on at all, you may have to replace the brake light switch. The brake light switch is the electrical switch that is responsible for activating the brake lights. When the pedal is pressed, the brake light switch makes contact, and the the brake lights are illuminated.
How does a brake light work on a car?
There is a small switch installed at your brake pedal to inform the control unit when the pedal is pressed, sending power to the brake lights. You can test the brake light switch with a multimeter to make sure you get a connection when the brake switch is released and no connection when you press.
Can a bad brake light switch drain your battery?
Note that a bad brake light switch can potentially drain your battery if the light stays on, and it can also decrease your rear brake light lifespan.
What are the symptoms of a bad brake light switch?
The most common symptom of a faulty brake light switch is when brake lights don’t come on or stay on all the time. A faulty brake light switch can cause many problems. If a switch is bad, the brake lights won’t operate and the transmission shifter will not come out of “Park” position.
Why are the brake lights not working but the tail lights are?
Blown out light bulbs are the most common reason for why the brake lights not working but the tail lights are. Remove the screws from the bulb lens (which you can access through the trunk or see your vehicle repair manual to get the exact location). Push the bulbs and turn them counterclockwise to remove from the socket.
Is it dangerous to drive with brake lights not working?
Driving at night with either brake lights or tail lights not working is dangerous for you and other drivers on the road. It takes a long time to notice when the brake lights not working but tail lights are or vice versa. It is so because you won’t know what is happening in the backside while driving until someone points it out.
When do the brake lights come on in a car?
The brake system triggers the brake lights. They come on whenever you apply the brakes. A pair of working brake lights are critical to driving and road safety. They give the drivers behind you a signal about the imminent speed change.