Your brake lights not working are an issue that can be caused by many different defects. From one light working fine and the other burnt out to both not working- brake light problems can be from many different causes. A mechanic will be able to replace the bulb and resolve any other issues easily and professionally. Here at Peninsula Auto Clinic, our trusted auto mechanics will inspect your brake lights and repair or replace them if needed.
When the brake lights are not working it could be because one light does not work or all of them do not work. Sometimes the lights will not turn off and other times the turn signal comes on when the brake pedal is pressed. The main step to take is to bring the car to a mechanic to ensure they can quickly diagnose the issue. Most brake light repairs or replacement services are approximately around $50 – $650 depending on the make and model of car and whether other parts of your car are affected.
What To Do When Only One Brake Light Does Not Work?
If the other lights work but one does not then finding the issue for this problem is easier than diagnosing other related issues. Some checks you can do include:
- Check the brake light circuit fuses first as there are two, one for the two lower lights and another for the third light. If one light section does not work then the brake light fuse for that system might have blown.
- Look at the condition of the light bulb and bulb sockets of each light. Accessing the bulb can be done through the boot or by removing the lens. If the light bulb has darkened then it will mean it needs to be replaced as it has failed. Also, look at the filaments and ensure they have not burned or broke.
- If the light bulb is in good condition and does not need replacing then looking at the voltage of the socket using a digital multimeter is key. Doing these tests can determine if the bulb is to blame or if the ground connection is incorrect.
- Check the bulb socket to determine if there is any corrosion that needs to be brushed away.
What To Do When None of the Brake Lights Work?
If none of the lights works then something with the whole system might be affecting the lights negatively.
Inspecting the Fuse
- Locate where the fuse box or panel for the brake lights are, if needed check the owner’s manual for advice. They are often located underneath the dashboard, near the passenger or driver side or under the car bonnet.
- Remove the fuse panel lid, carefully pull the fuse out using pliers or a fuse puller and inspect to see if it has blown. Looking at the fuse will often determine whether it has blown or not, but a multimeter will also help as well.
- Replace the fuse with a replacement with the same amperage as the previous fuse.
Checking the Brake Light Switch
- When the fuses are in good condition then the next step is to inspect the brake light switch. These are mostly located near the top of the brake pedal arm or around the brake master cylinder.
- When the switch has been found, locate where the electrical connectors are and test their condition using a test light.
Looking For Electrical Ground
Some models that have the switch connected to ground means that the switch may work but the light does not, this may be because of bad ground connection. Using a jumper wire and connecting it to the switch can help determine if the ground wire needs to be replaced or fixed.
Inspecting the Turn Signal Switch
- The brake light circuit may be connected to the turn signal circuit. Locate where the wiring diagram is and where the wire from the brake light switch to the turn signal switch is.
- Access the electrical connector of the turn signal switch and unplug it to then use a jumper wire to connect the terminals
- A test light should be used to see if it glows or does not, if it does not then there is an open wire in between the brake light and signal light switch and this should be fixed.
What To Do When the Brake Lights Never Turn Off?
If the brake lights do not turn off when the brakes are not pressed then the switch may have worn out. Readjusting the switch or replacing it will often resolve this issue of the lights not turning off. Adjusting the switch can be done through unplugging the connector and rotating the switch so it will turn on when the brakes are pressed. If the internal switch system and mechanism have been damaged or worn out then this might need replacing.
What To Do When if the Brakes are Pressed the Turn Signal Comes On?
If the turn signal light turns on when the brakes are pressed then a bad ground with the faulty light is often the issue. To ensure there is a good ground and that the systems light up when they should respectively a mechanic should diagnose and locate the issue. This is because of the issues with broken wires, faulty connecting points and other systems being damaged.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair Brake Lights?
When the brake lights are not working properly then it is recommended that a mechanic looks to diagnose the issue then repair it. Repairs will cost approximately between $50-$650 depending on the make/ model of car Additional work and labour can also increase the price of fixing the bad brake light switch and system. The lights of the braking system will also often be looked over during a brake service as a part of the work.
Trusted Brake Light and Brake Services for the Northern Beaches!
Peninsula Auto Clinic is here with fully qualified mechanics to perform Car Repair services when the brake lights are not working correctly. Our team will work on the car’s lights professionally and make sure they function correctly using efficient techniques. We offer our brake light services, along with our other brake and Car Service work, to the whole Northern Beaches, including areas such Warriewood, Narrabeen and many more!
For reliable and experienced mechanics to repair your brake lights professionally – contact Peninsula Auto Clinic now. We are located at 7 Perak Street, Mona Vale!
