What can cause my brake lights not to work?

If one or more of your brake lights isn’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 of these issues are easy to troubleshoot.

Why do I have running lights but no brake lights?

One of the most common reasons behind brake lights not working is blown out light bulbs. … Use screwdrivers to remove the bulb and check if it has blown out. A replacement may be required if the bulb has turned black or if you can see a broken filament inside.

How can you tell if a brake light fuse is bad?

If, however, the test light illuminates when the connection is only pressed against one side of the fuse, the fuse is faulty. If the test light fails to light at all, regardless of where it’s connected to the fuse, you definitely need to replace the fuse.

Why are my tail lights working but not my brake lights?

Why is that? The most common reason your brake lights are not working but tail lights do is a bad light bulb. It can also be caused by a blown fuse, bad brake light switch, or issues with the wirings. … Either one light shines more than the other, or the taillights completely switch off when you press the brakes.

What can cause my brake lights to stop working?

Some of the most common reasons that your brake lights are out or malfunctioning include: Problems with the brake light switch. Issues with the brake light switch circuit – usually a ground. Brake light bulbs that have burned out.

Which fuse controls the brake lights?

The stop lamp fuse is in the left kick panel inside the vehicle. 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.


Is there a fuse for brake lights?

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. … If it has, replace it with a fuse of the same resistance.

How do you find a short in a brake light?

6 Finding the Short in the Brake Lights – YouTube

How do I know if my brake lights are bad?

What Do I Check When My Brake Light Goes Out? – YouTube

Where is the brake light relay located?

A brake light switch is a small electrical relay attached to the brake pedal. It is typically installed above the brake pedal and (hopefully) activated every time your pedal is pressed.

Can I drive without brake lights?

No brake lights penalty

If you have a single brake light out for example and the police officer is of reasonable mind, they may simply pull you over and give you a verbal warning to get it fixed as soon as possible.

Is the brake light and tail light the same bulb?

On many vehicles, the tail lights and brake lights share the same bulb. One filament inside the bulb is for the tail light and the other filament is for the brake light. There are also some vehicles that have a separate bulb for each circuit.

How do you reset a brake light switch?

How to: Brake pedal position (stop light) switch/sensor remove, reinstall

How would a driver know if a brake light bulb was not working?

They would notice the brake pedal getting softer under pressure. By standing at the rear of the vehicle and checking as another person presses the brake pedal. …

How much does it cost to replace a brake light switch?

How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Brake Light Switch? A replacement brake light switch generally costs around $30 to $75, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Getting a brake light switch fixed at a shop will add typically $80 to the repair.

How do I know if a fuse has blown?

Remove the fuse from its holder. In some cases you may need a small screwdriver to unscrew the fuse holder cap. Look at the fuse wire. If there is a visible gap in the wire or a dark or metallic smear inside the glass then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.

How much does it cost to fix a brake light?

The Best in Auto Repair

The average cost for brake light switch replacement is between $71 and $89. Labor costs are estimated between $40 and $50 while parts are priced between $32 and $39. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific vehicle or unique location.

Are stop lights the same as brake lights?

According to a few dictionaries I’ve checked, the terms “brake lights” and “stop lights” (or “stoplights”) are also used for stop lamps (I think “brake lights” is the most common among these). But “stop lights” can also mean red traffic lights, or traffic lights (in AmE).

Why do cars have 3 brake lights?

Function. The third brake light is normally centered and placed higher than the two typical brake lights below that flank the vehicle. Adding this third light captures the line of sight of the drivers following the car, as opposed to the use of just two lights, making the braking reaction faster.

How do I know if my brake lights are working?

First, check your tail lights by turning on your headlights. If working properly, they will come on simultaneously and glow red. Next, tap your brakes and have your partner verify that the brake light bulb is shining significantly brighter than your normal tail lights.

How do you check a brake switch?

How to Test a Brake Light Switch (Two Ways) • Cars Simplified

How do you bypass a brake light switch?

TIPS FOR T-MAN, HOW TO BYPASS A BRAKE SENSER SWITCH

Does Walmart fix brake lights?

Unfortunately, Walmart Auto Care Centers do not service any aspects of a vehicle’s brakes—including brake pads, sensors, brake fluids, taillights, and brake lights. Walmart does not install brake lights, they do sell replacement brake light bulbs, so you can purchase a replacement to install yourself.

How long does a brake light switch last?

For the most part, the brake light switch is built to last just as long as the car does. Generally, these switches will wear out due to the continuous use that they get.

When replacing a fuse What must you match?

You must match the exact type and amperage (AMP 15, 20 or 30) for the fuse you are replacing.

How much does it cost to fix a blown fuse in a car?

Car Fuse Replacement pricing for various cars

Cars Estimate Average Dealer Price
2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe $99 $111.92
2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 $100 $112.99
2013 Audi A3 $100 $112.28
2016 BMW M235i xDrive $99 $111.92

How do you check a fuse without removing it?

check automotive fuses WITHOUT removing them – YouTube