I have no brake lights and third brake light I have checked all fuses and brake pedal switch and the switch is fine and I’m still
I have no brake lights and third brake light I have checked all fuses and checked the brake pedal switch and it operates fine but I still don't get any power to the tail light assembly which is also the brake assembly not sure where to check next with out a schematic
My car has 233000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. Well, you’ve listed most of the usual suspects including the brake switch, fuses and tail light assembly. However, one item you might want to also check is the accessory electrical relay. In some cases, the relay that supplies power from the brake switch to the tail light assembly will cause the issues you are describing. I always recommend that home mechanics purchase a service and repair manual for their vehicle to have a schematic accessibly, so it might benefit you to purchase one online to locate this relay or feel free to have one of our mobile mechanic some to your location and complete a brake light inspection, so they can help trace this issue for you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
When the lower lights do not come on and only the third-brake light works, the brake-light switch may be ruled out. Again try the emergency-flashers to check for wiring, socket and lamp problems. If the flashers work, check for blown fuses as a few vehicles use separate circuits for the lower and third brake lights.
It sounds like you may have either a blown fuse or a broken wire. Check and replace the fuses/relays as necessary. It may be necessary to check for battery voltage with a digital volt/ohm meter at the brake switch and bulb sockets; be sure to follow the power source power flow chart in the electrical wiring diagram.
The Importance of Third Brake Lights
Since 1986, America has made it compulsory for cars to have a central brake lamp or third brake light located higher than the left and right 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.
All vehicles require three working stop lamps (brake lights). The required brake lights consist of the two standard brake lights on each side of the rear of the vehicle.
It is possible that both of the brake light bulbs are out. It is also possible that the other two brake lights are on a separate fuse from the third brake light which could cause the third brake light to work separately from the other two.
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.
By law you need to have two working brake lights. However, because they`re positioned on the back of your car it`s not unusual for you to go for a few days, without noticing that one of your bulbs has gone. As soon as you`re aware that one of your brake lights is faulty, make sure you fit a new bulb straight away.
Brake lights should illuminate clearly when pressure is applied to the brake pedal during the test. If your car has a centrally mounted third brake light (which it doesn`t legally need), it has to work. The basic rule is: if it`s there, it needs to function.
And because the taillights and brake lights do not share the same circuit, confirming the ground as a potential cause is not a task that needs much analysis.
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.
If you have a modern car, you`ll have to look for two fuse boxes. Locate your brake light fuse with your car manual. Brake light problems can be caused by a blown fuse. If it`s blown, replace it with a new one.
In 1974, psychologist John Voevodsky, PhD, tested a small, inexpensive gadget that would eventually make U.S. highways much safer. The gadget was a third brake light, mounted in the base of rear windshields so that when drivers pressed their brakes, a triangle of light warned following drivers to slow down.
Most vehicles are equipped with three brake lights: left, right, and center. The center brake light is typically known under different names: center-mount, high-mount, or even third brake light. Brake lights fail for many reasons, often because there`s a burned bulb causing one or more brake lights to be inoperative.
Answer: The state statute says that a vehicle equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps shall at all times be maintained in good working condition. So all brake lights, including the third one, would have to be operational when activated.
What does it mean if your brake warning light is on? Typically, your brake system warning light being on means your parking brake is engaged, but if you`re still seeing the red (or orange) warning on your dash while the parking brake is disengaged, you will need to get your brakes inspected as soon as possible.
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.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I have no brake lights and third brake light I have checked all fuses and brake pedal switch and the switch is fine and I’m still
ANSWER : Hi there. Well, you’ve listed most of the usual suspects including the brake switch, fuses and tail light assembly. However, one item you might want to also check is the accessory electrical relay. In some cases, the relay that supplies power from the brake switch to the tail light assembly will cause the issues you are describing. I always recommend that home mechanics purchase a service and repair manual for their vehicle to have a schematic accessibly, so it might benefit you to purchase one online to locate this relay or feel free to have one of our mobile mechanic some to your location and complete a brake light inspection, so they can help trace this issue for you.
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.
Brake sensor is to sensitive causing brakes to flicker while driving. 2005 Mercury Montego
ANSWER : Hi there – your brake light switch needs a minor adjustment. It is adjusted too "tight" or close to the brake pedal lever, or possibly has failed. Adjusting/replacing it will eliminate this flickering problem. I recommend a brake light isn’t working inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Gear stuck on park. Brake lights dont turn on. Brake light switch has been changed the problem still remains.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely having a connection issue somewhere around the switch. Since you have a voltmeter or test light, you will want to test for power leading up to the fuses, and then after the fuses. If you have power when pressing the light after the fuse (this means the power is making it through the fuse), continue to trace that voltage until you find where it stops. This voltage drop is most likely going to be at an electrical connection or terminal, a broken or frayed wire, a faulty switch, or a bad ground connection. Currently the vehicle is in a safety mode, and tracking down the cause of the brake light switch issue needs to be the main focus. For more help resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.
Brake lights on constantly
ANSWER : It sounds like you have a short in your brake light circuit. Since you have replaced the brake switch yourself, I would recommend searching around in that general area for any damaged wiring that may exist near the switch. Wires may be frayed or completely ripped in half. Depending on the extent of the damage, this issue may be resolved by applying electrical tape or replacing an entire harness. If the short is not found in this area, I would then check near the fuse box to see if the cavity for the brake light fuse is damaged or burned. If so, the entire fusebox will likely require replacement.
First, the fuse 19 keeps blowing. When I hit the brake pedal my dash lights up. The third brake light acts like a running light.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the wiring on the vehicle to the tail and brake lights. There is a cross short that is causing the lights to blow the fuses and make the tail lights brighter than normal. If you need further assistance with your electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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.
