What should I do if my brake light does not come on?
If the light only illuminates on one terminal, the switch is faulty and should be adjusted or replaced. To check this, disconnect the wires to the switch and join them together. The brake lights should now come on. If both terminals cause the lamp to light, the fault lies in the wiring between the switch and the brake lights.
How does a defective brake light switch work?
The brake light switch, operated by a small plunger and contact switch on the brake pedal, tells the brake lights when to come on. A defective brake light switch will disrupt the signal to all the brake lights, causing a very hazardous condition.
How do you test the brake light switch?
In some cars, the testing procedure involves testing the voltage at the brake light switch connector when the brake pedal is depressed and released. In other cars, the service manual recommends testing the switch continuity with the pedal depressed and released. If there is no voltage at the brake switch,…
Where is the fuse on my brake light?
If your lights don’t illuminate on either side and your brake light switch is good, then the next thing to check is the brake light fuse. Locate your vehicle’s fuse box, which is usually under the hood or on the kick panel inside the passenger compartment.
What are the symptoms of a bad brake light switch?
One of the symptoms commonly associated with a bad brake light switch are brake lights that stay on at all times. If the brake light switch shorts internally it may cause the brake lights to stay illuminated, even when the pedal is not being pressed.
How to tell if a brake light switch is faulty?
- Place the vehicle in park or neutral with the emergency brake set. Raise the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable with a socket and wrench.
- Twist the bulb locking ring on the back of the taillight housing and pull the bulb socket out of the case housing.
- Unclasp the wire jack connectors to the brake lights.
Why are my brake lights not working?
When your brake lights don’t work, it is usually because of a blown fuse, a worn-out or broken brake light switch, or a burned-out light bulb. And on most vehicles, the brake light system is usually a simple circuit that includes a brake light switch, the light bulbs or lamps, a fuse,…
How do you adjust the brake light switch?
To adjust the brake light switch, first press the brake pedal down a few inches, then pull the switch plunger rod out of the switch toward the brake pedal arm, as far as you can without using excessive force. Next, return the brake pedal to the pedal stop position against…
If the light only illuminates on one terminal, the switch is faulty and should be adjusted or replaced. To check this, disconnect the wires to the switch and join them together. The brake lights should now come on. If both terminals cause the lamp to light, the fault lies in the wiring between the switch and the brake lights.
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.
How do you check the brake light circuit?
Check and clean up the earth side of the circuit. If the test lamp fails to light, next check if current is reaching the fuse by probing each fuse terminal in turn with the test lamp. If the lamp lights on the battery side of the fuse, the fault is in the fuse itself.
Is the parking brake warning light the same as the brake light?
The very first thing that you should check is to ensure that the parking brake is completely off. Depending on your car, the warning light for the brake system may be the same as the warning light for the parking brake.