brake lights do not work, but running lights, turn signals, and hazards do.
As I was pulling extra wires out of my retired cop car, I shorted or screwed up my brake lights system somehow. The running lights, hazards, and turn signals all function properly, but the brake lights do not work. After extensive examination, I determined that the brake light switch is not in use (there is no harness/all the wires are cut and taped elsewhere). I've run voltage at 100 different spots in the car and still haven't found an answer– even following the wiring diagram isn't extremely helpful because the stock brake light system is not in use. All the fuses appear to
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. One of the negative drawbacks to purchasing a retired military or police vehicle is that often the original owners or department will disable many of the electrical system components that power specialty systems (including their emergency lights). This makes it very difficult to pinpoint electrical gremlins like you are describing without being onsite to complete an electrical problems inspection. You might want to set up an appointment to have one of our mechanics come to your location and help you trace this issue.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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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 the turn signal switch goes bad, one or both brake lights can fail. This does not apply to vehicles with rear amber turn signals.
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.
The Difference Between Brake Lights and Tail Lights
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.
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.
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.
The most common brake light switch is the simple mechanical type mounted close to the brake pedal arm. When the pedal is depressed, the switch automatically closes to turn on the brake lights. The other type of switch works hydraulically and is operated by the pressure of fluid in the pipes when the brake is applied.
You may also hear them referred to as “signature lights.” These low-wattage white lights automatically activate when you engage the vehicle`s ignition. Often located around the headlights, DRLs are found on the front fascia near the sides of the vehicle.
Brake light circuits are parallel circuits. A parallel circuit is used because one bulb can burn out, and the other will still function normally.
Check the fuse.
A blown fuse usually causes both lights to go out. On newer cars, the tail lamps can be fused separately and/or each bulb or shared circuit can be fused. A fuse can be blown due to other problems, so you`ll need to check more than just the fuse, but it`s the right place to start.
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.
The brake light switch is a small component near the brake pedal responsible for activating your car`s brake lights. How does it work? When you press down on the brake, the brake light switch turns on the brake lights at the rear of your vehicle. Essentially, it lets the driver behind know that you intend to slow down.
Check the fuse.
A blown fuse usually causes both lights to go out. On newer cars, the tail lamps can be fused separately and/or each bulb or shared circuit can be fused. A fuse can be blown due to other problems, so you`ll need to check more than just the fuse, but it`s the right place to start.
Blown Fuse
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.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
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.
brake lights do not work, but running lights, turn signals, and hazards do.
ANSWER : Hi there. One of the negative drawbacks to purchasing a retired military or police vehicle is that often the original owners or department will disable many of the electrical system components that power specialty systems (including their emergency lights). This makes it very difficult to pinpoint electrical gremlins like you are describing without being onsite to complete an electrical problems inspection. You might want to set up an appointment to have one of our mechanics come to your location and help you trace this issue.
signals, daytime running lights are not working, park brake light on dash is on steady and chime is dinging steady 4×4 wont engage
ANSWER : This is likely a brake light switch problem. I would suggest testing the brake light switch which should be located down by the brake pedal. This may also be a computer problem as well as indicated by the other lights on in the dash. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your home to possibly replace the brake light switch and diagnose with a scanning tool which will download useful data from the truck’s computer indicating what specifically the problem may be.
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.
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.
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.
Just replaced head gasket, changed crack sensor new plugs. The check engine light is on, but dim, the only other light that the dash is a normal battery indicator. The fuel pump is not running when switch is turned on, the power windows don’t work, it turns over but not firing. It’s like only one part of the system is working. Also the heater fans work even if the switch is off.
ANSWER : I would first look at the diagnostic trouble codes. Those codes are available because the check engine light is on. If the fuel pump is not running (momentarily) at key on, that fault alone will prevent the car from starting as there will be no fuel pressure. Pump output and pressure can be directly tested and you can also check for electrical power to the pump. To find out why the engine will not run, the recommended diagnostic is a no start diagnostic. If you request that service, the responding certified mechanic will get this taken care of for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
All my exterior lights work (brake, signal, hazard, reverse, etc.) EXCEPT running tail lights
ANSWER : If you are certain all fuses are good/tight, grounds are good and all bulbs are correct in voltage for the vehicle, I have a suggestion from personal experience with a MK 5 Jetta sitting right outside. Make sure the front marker lights are working. The issue we were experiencing with this Jetta was similar. When switching the lights on, the left rear marker would light for a brief moment, then go out and set a bulb fault on the instrument cluster.
After spending a bit of time on that, we found the left FRONT marker light in the headlight housing was out. The bulb was found to be good upon removal and inspection, but the terminals had a bit of corrosion, giving a poor ground. After cleaning the contacts with a bit of emery cloth and reinstalling the socket, both front and rear bulbs are working properly.
If you need some help with this, consider YourMechanic, as a mobile expert can come to you and diagnose your lights firsthand. Best of luck.
