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.
- When none of the brake lights work, the first thing to check is the fuse. 1. Find the location for the fuse. If you know where the fuse panel or power distribution center is located in your vehicle, look for the stop lamps fuse. If you don’t know where the fuses are, consult your car owner’s manual.
Why do my tail lights work but not my brake lights?
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. Your vehicle’s taillights are working fine, but the brake lights don’t come on when you press the brakes.
Can you drive without brake lights?
One of the most dangerous scenarios involving non-working brake lights is on the highway and while driving at night. Without brake lights, other drivers can not see you very well in the dark, making an accident very likely. You also run the risk of getting pulled over and being fined by a police officer.
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.
Are brake lights a legal requirement?
It may seem obvious but these are essential for letting drivers behind you know when you’re braking. 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.
Why do my brake lights only work sometimes?
Brake light problems can include a socket whose connections are dirty or corroded, or one whose wiring has become worn to the point where it’s only making an intermittent connection. If you keep these tips in mind, most brake light problems will be easy to diagnose and fix on your own.
How much does it cost to fix brake lights?
Average Cost The cost of swapping out one or both brake lights can vary widely. You can come across a wide range of prices, from $20 to $150. It will depend on your make and model and where you go to have the work done.
Can a bad turn signal switch no brake lights?
On vehicles that use the same lights for brakes and turn signals, a bad turn-signal switch can cause the lower brake-lights not to work. With a bad turn-signal switch, the third-light should still function. On this type system, the turn signals and brakes use the same circuit.
Where is the brake light switch fuse?
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.
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.
Is driving without lights illegal UK?
The UK. In the United Kingdom, headlights must be used at night and any time your visibility is seriously reduced. Driving without headlights at night or when your visibility is seriously reduced can result in a non-endorsable ticket, which typically carries a £50 fine and won’t add any points onto your licence.
Can you get pulled over for LED headlights?
It also means that you cannot legally operate most aftermarket lighting (such as high intensity LED “off-road” lights) on a public road. It’s not illegal to install these on your vehicle; it’s simply illegal to use them on a public road.
Do you need both brake lights?
Federal law mandates that all vehicles have the third brake light outfitted within the car. Additionally, the third light must be comparable to the other brake lights on the vehicle so that it is not distracting to the drivers behind the vehicle.
5 Reasons Why Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are
You and other drivers on the road are at risk if you are driving at night with either your brake lights or your tail lights not functioning properly. It takes a long time to notice when the brake lights are not functioning but the tail lights are, or vice versa, because they are so close together. This is due to the fact that you will not be aware of what is going on in the backseat unless someone calls your attention to it. For road safety, both the brake and tail lights are essential components.
It has the potential to cause serious accidents, particularly on dark roadways or during periods of heavy rain or snow.
The Reasons for Brake Lights Not Working but Tail Lights Are
While driving, the tail lights function normally, however using the brakes causes the rear lights to go completely dark. This is a strange problem because the tail lights function normally when driving. Occasionally, squeezing the brakes will also turn off the tail lights, and they will not come back on until you release the brakes. The following are some probable causes of brake lights not working but tail lights operating:
The Light Bulbs
The most common reason for brake lights not functioning but tail lights operating is a blown light bulb, which occurs more frequently in older vehicles. Remove the screws from the bulb lens using a screwdriver (which you can access through the trunk or see your vehicle repair manual to get the exact location). To remove the bulbs from the socket, push them down and spin them counterclockwise. It’s possible that the cause is blown out lights. If your bulbs have been discolored or if the filaments have become brittle, you should replace them.
In most European automobiles, the same bulb is used for both the taillights and the brake lights.
Fuse Box and Light Switch
You’ll need to locate the fuse box or the power distribution center to complete the task (PDC). The fuse panel will be located beneath the dashboard, while the PDC will be located under the hood. The brake light switch may also be discovered under the dashboard, and it should be checked to see if its plunger is in contact with the brake pedal arm. The brake lights will be affected if there is an issue with the fuse box or light switch. If a fuse has blown, it should be replaced with a brand new one.
Apart from that, you should try to determine what caused the blown fuse.
The Electrical Ground
If the brake light switch is operational, the next step is to look for a faulty electrical grounding (some car models have the switch provided ground). Because of a loose connection in the wire, or because of corrosion or damage to the wire ends, this might happen.
With a jumper wire, connect the light switch to a good ground and push the brake pedal to complete the circuit. If the brake light illuminates, it means that the ground connection has to be repaired. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT:
- Find out what the dashboard warning lights mean in their entirety. Learn everything you can about the automobile lighting system.
Check the Wiring
If all of the above-mentioned components are functioning properly, you will need to explore elsewhere for the root of the problem. It is possible that the wire from the fuse panel to the brake light switch, as well as the cabling from the switch to the bulb sockets and lights, is loose or fraying. It is possible that the connector and bulb housing have become rusted. If you discover a problem with these components, you must replace them.
Examine the Turn Signal Switch
In some car types, the brake light circuit can be found as a component of the turn signal circuit. If the brake light switch is broken or malfunctioning, the brake light will not illuminate. Examine the wiring schematic for the switch and look for the single wire that connects the brake light and turn signal switches to each other. Connect a test light to the electrical connector on the turn light switch, activate the brake light switch by squeezing the brake pedal, and then back probe the wire with the test light.
Why Won’t My Tail Lights Work When My Headlights Are On
It is possible that the tail lights will not function correctly but the brake lights will function properly. The connectors for the rear lights and the headlights are separate. As a result, one set will continue to function normally, while the other set may encounter difficulties and cease to function. Tail lights can be turned off for a variety of reasons, many of which are almost identical to the reasons why brake lights are not working but tail lights are. The following are the causes of malfunctioning rear lights:
- Electrical problems include: blown fuses, damaged wiring, and burned out bulbs.
It is recommended that you take your car to an experienced technician if you are still unable to determine the source of the problem with your non-functional brake lights or tail lights or if you are unsure about the measures outlined above. If you are unfamiliar with the operation of a car’s mechanism, do not attempt to repair anything, whether it is a significant or little problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brake lights and tail lights are the most well-known automobile components that car owners are interested in learning about because there are so many difficulties associated with them. In this post, our automotive specialists will assist automobile owners in answering some of the most often asked questions: What may be causing the brake lights to not function? There are three factors that might contribute to this problem:
- Brake light bulbs that are not working properly
- A faulty brake light wire switch
- A fuse in the brake light system of the car has blown.
Fortunately, all of these issues can be identified and resolved with relative ease. What might be causing my rear lights to remain illuminated? There are a variety of reasons for the tail light to remain illuminated even after the vehicle has been shut off: A bad brake light switch stopper, a damaged trailer light plug, a faulty brake light switch stopper, a problematic wire harness, to name a few issues. There are a variety of causes for this; nevertheless, you can determine whether the brake lights or the tail lights are malfunctioning to determine which components are at fault.
- They are distinct from one another.
- You may also tell what it is by the color: On most automobiles, the tail lights are a standard red color, however the brake lights are a more bright red color.
- When the brake lights are not working correctly, you must first ensure that the electricity is getting to them and then inspect the fuse for damage.
- What is the best way to check my brake lights on my own?
- Having the ignition on is required before you can check the brake lights for clear illumination.
- The next step is to locate a floor brush or mop and place the end of the brush or mop on the brake pedal.
- Automobile owners may now depress the brake pedal until it is fully engaged and secured in place.
What is the approximate cost of replacing a brake light?
When it comes to replacing the brake light bulb, the expense is always small.
What is the approximate cost of rewiring brake lights?
As a result, the labor costs will range between $7 and $60.
Is it legal for me to drive without brake lights?
The first thing that will happen is that you will be stopped and punished by a police officer since it is absolutely prohibited to drive without a functioning brake light.
Without brake lights, it is hard for other drivers to see whether you are stopping or not, increasing the likelihood of an accident on the road.
How long does it take to repair a broken brake light light? 1 hour and 30 minutes Because it is not complex at all, this is the maximum amount of time you should allow for brake light bulb replacement. It should take between 40 and 60 minutes to finish the procedure.
5 Common Reasons Why Brake Lights are not Working but Tail Lights Are
When it comes to driving, safety is of the utmost importance. One of the things that you can do to assist maintain road safety is to check that your car’s brake lights and tail lights are functioning correctly. As soon as you apply the brakes, the brake lights illuminate to alert any following cars that they should slow down accordingly. Taillights, on the other hand, are activated when the front headlights are switched on and remain on until the vehicle is stopped. As a result, they don’t glow as brightly as brake lights since they are intended to illuminate the road during periods of heavy rain or at night.
What happens, though, if your taillights are operational but your brake lights are not?
Malfunctioning light bulbs
Light bulbs that have blown out are one of the most prevalent causes of brake lights that aren’t working. This is especially true for people who drive older automobiles. If you depress the brakes and the brake lights do not illuminate, immediately check for a defective light bulb in the brake light assembly. This examination and/or repair does not necessarily necessitate the use of a professional. All that is required is that you open your car trunk and remove the rear cover of the taillights.
If the bulb has become completely black or if you can see a damaged filament inside, it may be necessary to replace it.
Fuse box and light switch
Light bulbs that have blown out are one of the most prevalent causes of brake lights that don’t operate. For people who drive older automobiles, this is particularly important to note. If you compress the brakes and the brake lights do not illuminate, immediately check for a defective light bulb in the brake light assemblies. A professional can assist you with this examination and/or repair if you like. All that is required is that you open your car trunk and remove the taillights’ back cover.
If the bulb has gone completely dark or if you can see a damaged filament inside, it is possible that a replacement is necessary.
Electrical ground
Checking the electrical ground is one of the things you should do if the taillights and brake lights are not working is something else you should do. Especially in cases when the brake light switch is not functioning, this might be a potential problem. Poor electrical grounding, which might be caused by corroded or broken cables, should be looked for. It would be obvious that the ground connection required repair if the brake light illuminated while both the light switch and the brake pedal were connected to a good ground when the brake pedal was depressed.
Wiring
Providing the light bulb, fuse box, and electric ground are all in proper working order, there is one more item you may check to determine why the brake lights are not working – the brake light wiring. Examine the wiring that runs from the fuse panel to the brake light switch, as well as the wire that runs from the switch to the bulb sockets.
A loose connection or corrosion in the bulb housing might be causing the problem, respectively. If you discover any issues with these components, be sure you have them replaced immediately.
Turn signal switch
There is one more item you may check to see if the brake lights are not functioning if everything else, including the light bulb, fuse box, and electric ground, is in working order. Examine the wiring that runs from the fuse panel to the brake light switch, as well as the wire that runs from the switch to the lamp sockets. A loose connection or corrosion in the bulb housing might be causing the problem, depending on the situation. If you discover any issues with these components, be sure you have them replaced immediately.
4 Common Brake Light Problems and How to Solve Them
Problems with the brake lights don’t have to be a source of stress. When it comes to troubleshooting brake light problems, there are some difficulties that come up time and over again, which makes it that much simpler to find out what’s wrong with your brakes when you touch the pedal. See how to resolve these four typical brake light conundrums, as well as how to avoid them in the future.
1. Burnt Out Bulb
The most common brake light problem is a burned out bulb, which is simple to understand given how common it is. When you examine how much time you spend with your foot on the brake, it is important to remember that the bulb must be lighted throughout the whole duration. Modern automobiles have turned to LED lights that last far longer, but older vehicles still have bulbs that must be removed and replaced on a regular basis. Most of the time, it’s inexpensive and simple to do with a minimal set of tools.
2. Bad Brake Light Switch
When the brake pedal is depressed, a switch is activated, signaling to the rear-view mirror lights that it is time to turn them on and turn them on. In the course of time, analog switches become worn and dusty, which impairs their capacity to establish positive contact with the input signal and send the correct signal. In this case, replacing the switch is not a difficult task, and it is also simple for your mechanic to diagnose brake light problems such as this one. If all three brake lights go out at the same time, it’s improbable that the trio of bulbs went out at the same time as a single unit.
3. Blown Fuse
After making sure that your brake lights are working properly on both sides and that your brake light switch is in working order, the next item to check is the brake light fuse. The fuse box for your car may normally be found beneath the hood or on the kick panel in the passenger compartment. Locate the fuse box for your vehicle. Determine if the braking circuit fuse has been blown by referring to the fuse diagram found on the box’s cover (or in the handbook). If so, replace the fuse. If this has occurred, it should be replaced with a fuse of the same resistance.
4. Bad Socket
If you have a single brake light that is not working and the bulb is in fine working order, the next step is to inspect the light socket. Among the causes of brake light malfunctions are sockets with unclean or corroded connections, as well as wire that has gotten worn to the point where it is only making sporadic connections. Simply cutting the old wires and joining them together to form a new socket is all it takes to replace a socket, which is usually a rather affordable item to acquire. If you keep these suggestions in mind, the majority of brake light issues will be simple to identify and repair by yourself.
NAPA Online has a comprehensive selection of vision and safety goods, or you may visit one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare facilities for routine maintenance and repairs.
The image is courtesy of Morguefile. Categories How to Know MoreTagsbrake light (bulb),car fuse (fuse box),car maintenance (vehicle repair),electrical (electrical system),featured (fuse box),lighting (taillight bulb),video (how to)
Benjamin HuntingView All
I was introduced to Studebakers at an early age, and I spent my formative years surrounded by them at automobile exhibitions around Quebec and the northern United States. About 10 years of racing, rebuilding, and obsessing over vehicles has led me to pursue a full-time career in science writing while also working in automotive journalism. As an editor, I presently contribute to various online and print automotive journals, and I also write and consult for companies in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
Tail Lights Not Working But Brake Lights Are: What To Do Now?
Auto-related issues are something that almost everyone has to deal with at some point in their lives. Sometimes these are minor difficulties, but other times they can cost you a significant amount of money in repairs. Consequently, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for any difficulties that your car may be experiencing before they get too serious. If your car’s tail lights are not working, but the brake lights are, this is not typical. What should you do in such a situation? Let’s have a look and see!
- You must have functional tail lights in order to stay safe when driving on the highways.
- They generally come on when your headlights turn on, but some newer models come on automatically when the computer detects that there is more darkness outside than usual.
- But what happens if the tail lights fail but the brake lights continue to function?
- In the event that you are one of them, then you have come to the right place.
- Incorrect operation
- Incorrect connection
- Incorrect tail light bulb
- Incorrect relay
- Fuse Box
- Incorrect wiring
- Control switch failure
- Incorrect operation
How Do Brake Lights And Tail Lights Work?
Cars are equipped with a variety of lights that serve a variety of functions. Knowing the purpose of the buttons and dials on the dashboard and on the car’s exterior may be quite useful in a variety of situations. As a result, it’s only reasonable to be familiar with the operation of brake lights and tail lights. Numerous autos are equipped with a straightforward wiring configuration for the brake and tail lights. When the driver pushes the brake pedal, the automobile comes to a complete stop or slows down, and a switch that illuminates the brake light is activated as a side effect.
It is vital that the lighting equipment is always fully operational since the person behind you would not be able to see if you are driving or not if the lighting equipment is not operational.
Accidents may result as a result of this.
Difference Between Brake Lights And Tail Lights
Different types of lights are used in automobiles to accomplish different tasks. Knowing the functionality of the buttons and dials on the dashboard and on the car’s exterior may be quite useful. Because of this, it is only reasonable to learn how brake lights and tail lights function. For the brake and tail lights, many autos utilize a simple wiring configuration. When the driver pushes the brake pedal, the automobile comes to a complete stop or slows down, and a switch that illuminates the brake light is activated as a result.
In order for the person behind you to be able to see whether you are driving or not, it is vital that the lighting equipment be always fully functional.
Damaged tail lights can make it difficult to see your car on the road at night or in poor visibility conditions such as heavy precipitation, fog, or snowstorms. Accidents may result as a result of this behavior.
Testing The Lights
It is possible to know for definite if the brake and tail lights are powered by the same bulb by having a helper press the brake pedal and seeing which bulb flashes within the tail light circuit with a flashlight. Turn on your headlights to check whether or not your tail lights are working properly. It is recommended that when the tail lights are turned on, they flash in the color red. After that, have someone stand behind the vehicle and check the brake lights for you. When you use the brakes, the brake lights should be noticeably brighter than the tail lights.
The next time you take your car out for a spin, if you observe something like this, there is no need to be alarmed.
So let’s have a look at some of the reasons why your car’s tail lights are not working but its brake lights are.
Tail Lights Not Working: It Might Be The Connection
Cars following you are alerted when you apply the brakes, which is a simple but critical function of the brake lights. If you’ve ever been stuck behind a car with faulty brake lights, you understand what it’s like to be in that situation. When you’re trying to figure out when that car is going to come to a stop or turn because its lights aren’t working, your level of annoyance may sky rocket. Alternatively, his brake lights may remain illuminated indefinitely, forcing you to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you because you have no idea what maneuver that driver will make next.
If one of your brake lights fails, the first thing you’ll notice is that a police officer will not pull your car aside to tell you of the problem.
The battery in the car serves as the system’s power source.
All of the lights are located on one side of the room, with bulbs in sockets that are connected to a wire harness.
Tail Lights Not Working: Faulty Tail Light Bulb
Cars following you are alerted when you apply the brakes, which is a simple but critical function of the brakes. That feeling you get when you’re stuck behind a car with malfunctioning brake lights is one you’ve probably experienced before. It’s possible that your level of aggravation may rise as you try to predict when that car will come to a complete stop or turn because its lights aren’t working. It’s possible that his brake lights may remain illuminated indefinitely, forcing you to maintain a safe distance behind him because you have no idea what move he’ll make next.
If one of your brake lights fails, the first thing you’ll notice is that a police officer will not stop you to tell you of the problem.
Powered entirely by the vehicle’s battery, the system works as follows: The brake light wiring systems in the majority of autos are not too complex.
A wire harness connects the lights themselves to a power supply on one side. The bulbs are in sockets linked to the harness. This is the other end of a circuit, and it is activated when the brake pedal is pressed down and makes contact with it, thereby completing the loop.
Tail Lights Not Working: Relay Issues
Brake lights provide a simple but critical function: they warn vehicles following you when you are slowing down. If you’ve ever been stuck behind a car with faulty brake lights, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. It’s possible that your level of aggravation may rise as you attempt to predict when that car will come to a complete stop or turn because its lights aren’t working. Alternatively, his brake lights may remain illuminated indefinitely, requiring you to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you because you have no idea what maneuver that driver will make next.
If one of your brake lights fails, the first thing you’ll notice is that a police officer will not pull your vehicle aside to tell you of the problem.
The system is powered by the battery in the car.
The lights themselves are located on one side of the room, with bulbs in sockets that are connected to a wiring harness.
Tail Lights Not Working: Problems With The Fuse Box
In an automobile, every electronic piece of equipment is powered by wires that travel via a fuse panel. In modern autos, there are two or more fuse boxes to choose from. There are normally two of these, one just below the dashboard and one just under the hood of the vehicle. You must refer to the owner’s manual of your car in order to locate the location of your brake light fuse. A strong probability exists that the brake light fuse has blown as a result of an electrical surge. Find the correct fuse and replace it with one that is equivalent in size and performance.
- As a precaution, switch off the car while you are viewing its fuse box.
- The use of a flashlight would make it easier to locate the fuse for the tail light.
- If the metal located within the fuse is not destroyed, the fuse is considered safe.
- If this is the case, replacing the fuse may be necessary to address your tail light problem.
- In the majority of cases, a fuse is blown for a specific cause.
However, because they are older in certain cases, they may blow up in others. Attempt to locate and examine the fuse box for any moist tracks, which can cause circuit shorts in the fuse box and cause a fuse to explode.
Tail Lights Not Working: Electrical Ground
If your taillights and brake lights are not working, one of the things you should look for is a problem with the electrical grounding system. This might be a concern, particularly if the brake light switch is not functioning properly. Make that there is no defective electrical grounding, which might be caused by corroded or damaged wires or cables. It is possible for the brake light to illuminate while the light switch is connected to a good ground but the brake pedal is depressed, indicating that the ground connection is defective.
- If the brake lights and tail lights on your automobile are not operating properly, call a mechanic.
- Because the taillights and brake lights are not connected to the same circuit, eliminating ground as a possible cause is a straightforward procedure.
- Simple removal of the engine ground, thorough cleaning of the connections and wires as well as the frame, and then secure reinstallation of the engine ground.
- If the problem of the tail light not working is simply a defective electrical ground, there is a relatively easy solution that should be sufficient.
Tail Lights Not Working: Worn Wiring
If your taillights and brake lights are not working, one of the things you should examine for a problem is the electrical grounding system. Particularly if the brake light switch is inoperative, this might provide an issue. Make that there is no defective electrical grounding, which might be caused by corroded or damaged cable connections. This indicates that the ground connection is defective if the brake lights illuminate when the light switch is connected to a good ground and while the brake pedal is depressed.
If the brake lights and tail lights on your automobile are not operating properly, contact a professional.
Because the taillights and brake lights are not connected to the same circuit, eliminating ground as a potential cause is a straightforward procedure.
Simple removal of the engine ground, thorough cleaning of the connections and wires as well as the frame, and then reinstallation of the ground with caution.
Simply said, it’s the simplest thing you can do. If the problem of the tail light not working is simply a defective electrical ground, there is a relatively easy solution that should be enough.
Tail Lights Not Working: Failure In The Control Switch
Another probable explanation for your car’s tail light not working even while the brake lights are operating is a faulty control switch, which is another common problem. When you want to turn on the headlights or the taillights, you must touch a button on the dashboard. It sends out the signal, and the lights begin to glow as a result. If the switches had become defective for whatever reason, there would have been no signal. It’s possible that you couldn’t figure it out on your own, but if you’ve exhausted all other options, the control switch might be the root of all your difficulties.
It is always possible to talk with someone who has more knowledge or to take it to a workshop in order to guarantee that everything functions properly.
Tail Lights Not Working: Ambient Light Sensor
On the dashboard of many current automobiles, there is an ambient light sensor that detects changes in lighting conditions. Depending on how dark or bright it is outside, the vehicle’s software may automatically turn on and off the headlights and taillights. Modern vehicles include daytime driving lights, which some individuals choose to turn off throughout the day. If your parking lights and headlights do not illuminate, but your brake lights do, this is most likely the source of the problem.
As a result, the sensor would be unable to switch on the lights as a result.
Fixing A Tail Light
From time to time, tail lights will need to be serviced. They may occasionally burn out and require a replacement bulb, or they may just cease to function. Anyone who is attempting to solve the problem may become frustrated in the process. The good news is that there are a few common difficulties that may be swiftly remedied if you know exactly what to search for and where to look. The procedures given below will assist you in troubleshooting your non-functioning tail lights and restoring them to full operation.
Battery Issues
Ensure that energy is being released from the battery as soon as possible as the very first step. Although it may seem obvious, it is one of the most frequently encountered problems when dealing with damaged tail lights. By blowing your horn, you can determine whether or not power is flowing. It is necessary to honk the horn. If it makes noise, it indicates that the battery is not the source of the problem. Once you have eliminated one probable cause of the problem, you may go on to the next one in the process.
Replace The Lightbulbs
Burned-out bulbs are one of the most common and simplest types of problems to fix in your home. Clearly, these bulbs are in desperate need of replacing. The replacement bulbs may be purchased from any automotive retailer. Simply make certain that you get the correct size and model for your vehicle. In the event that you purchase a bulb that is not compatible with the type of automobile you own, the lights will either not operate at all or will work momentarily before burning out. By loosening the lens cover with a screwdriver and then pulling it off, you can easily remove the lens cover.
When you’re completed, use the same screws you used to attach the cover to the frame.
After that, you may get rid of it.
Apply the brakes and check to see if the tail lights are working properly now that the new bulb has been installed.
If the tail light covers are still in good working order, you may replace them. If the problem continues, replacing the fuse may be the solution. This is covered in further detail later on.
Fuse Replacement
Look locate the control panel on the inside of the vehicle. This is the location where you’ll locate all of the necessary fuses. Locate the one labeled ‘tail lights’ and drag it away from its current position on the screen. Any repair shop should be able to provide you with a replacement fuse; however, be sure you receive the correct kind for your vehicle. Install the replacement fuse until you hear a clicking sound at the end of it. One last time, make sure the brake lights are working properly.
Driving With No Tail Lights
What happens if the cops stop you because your tail lights aren’t working? Yes, it is correct. If your vehicle’s tail lights do not function properly, you will be pulled over by the police, no doubt. If you are caught for the first time, you may be lucky enough to only receive a warning from the authorities. However, if you are caught again, you will be issued a ticket as well as a monetary punishment. Always keep in mind that different nations and states have distinct rules when it comes to driving without using your taillights or your brake lights.
If the tail lights on your automobile are not working, you should have them repaired as soon as possible.
Lights that are not working properly can be caused by a variety of factors, including burned-out bulbs, faulty wiring, electrical issues, and blown fuses.
Troubleshooting issues with the tail and brake lights should never be ignored.
Conclusion
There might be a variety of different reasons why your tail lights are not working but your brake lights are. If the bulb is not working, it’s conceivable that the socket that carries it has failed. There are conductive layers between the layers, which allows electricity to pass through. When you’re trying to figure out why your tail lights aren’t functioning but your brake lights are, it’s quite frustrating. However, because the taillights are powered by a separate circuit, it should be simple to isolate the source of the problem and fix it.
When you use the brakes, the brake lights will glow as a result of the change in circumstance.
Approved Tools
These tools have been tried and tested by our experts, and they are suitable for repairing your automobile at your convenience.
No brake lights – help
I’m still at a lost for words. To begin with, I was still using the cables that were connected to the switch. As I was removing the orange wire from the brake switch to see whether it would make a difference, I noticed that the orange wire suddenly had 12 volts at its terminal. When I plugged it back in, I got 12 volts. I went to get assistance to see if the brake lights were functioning properly, and they were not. I checked the voltage on the line both with and without the switch turned on, and it was back down to 8-9 volts.
Everything I know about the orange wire is that it ascends into a massive bundle of covered wires before disappearing into heaven for all I know.
In other words, I have no idea where the orange cable connects to the rest of the system or where it gets its electricity.
In the fuse box, there’s a fuse that’s simply called STOP, which I assume is the same as the HAX STOP, and it appears to have 12v running through it. What to do next is beyond my comprehension.
No brake lights
Apart from the pressure switch, there are also the brake lamp switch and the brake travel switch to consider. If you connect an OBD2/CAN scanner to the car’s OBD2 port, it is possible that diagnostic codes will be logged. Because the ABS codes are Cxxxx Chassis codes and Uxxxx Communication codes, the scanner will need to be able to read all codes (not just Pxxxx powertrain codes), not just Pxxxx powertrain codes. Switch for the brake lamp: It is located under the instrument panel at the brake pedal arm, and it is labeled as Stop Lamp Switch (2 in the image below).
- Other functions of the internal switches include deactivation of the speed control system, brake sense for the anti-lock braking system, and brake transmission shift interlock.
- The brake/stop lamp switch can also be adjusted using the procedure outlined in this section.
- Depress and hold the brake pedal for a few seconds.
- Disconnect the stop switch from its mounting bracket.
- Pulling the switch backwards and removing it from the mounting bracket will complete the removal.
- With one hand, grip the stop lamp switch firmly in place.
- 4.
The switch should be installed in its bracket by aligning the index key on the switch with the notch in the square mounting hole on the mounting bracket.
Caution: When pulling back on the brake pedal to adjust the stop lamp switch, avoid applying excessive force to the pedal.
5.
6.
6.
Switch for Brake Travel: The power brake booster is equipped with a pedal travel sensor (7 in the image below).
If you are not experiencing any ABS problems, it is possible that the problem is with the brake/stop lamp switch rather than the brake travel switch.
Brake Lights Not Working But Tail Lights Are, and Vice-Versa
When it comes to vehicle illumination, the phrases ‘brake light’ and ‘taillight’ are frequently misunderstood by the general public. They have a few questions in their minds about these lights, such as whether or not the lights are the same. Do they have any commonalities or affinities? Actually, these are two entirely separate lights, each with a very different function. It is critical to have working brake lights and working taillights for road safety. To tell the difference between them, you must first understand how they function.
- The brake lights of the car are related to the vehicle’s braking system.
- The taillights are linked to the headlights in the case of tail lights.
- If any of them fail to function, other cars behind you will be unable to tell if you are moving or not.
- The police are also quite rigorous about this, and they will flag you down if your lights are not working properly.
Continue reading to learn about some of the reasons why your brake and tail lights might not be performing at the same level. Are you looking for graphical information? Please see the infographic poster below for further information.
Reasons Why Brake Lights Not Working When Tail Lights are:
The realization that your brake lights are not functioning, but your tail lights are is the most irritating feeling in the world. Even while you would expect them to be interdependent, this isn’t always the case. The most typical causes of this situation are given in the section below.
- Light bulbs that are not functioning properly — to put it another way, your brake light bulbs may not be functioning properly, which is producing an issue with your vehicle’s lighting system. Another reason for your brake lights not working is a problem with the wiring. Fuse box and light switch issues are two examples of this. It is possible that the wires connecting the fuse box panel to the brake light switch are broken or come free. It’s possible that a tangled wire between the light bulb socket and the fuse box is creating the problems you’re having. Electrical ground wire that is broken, corroded, or loose might also be a contributing factor to this issue. A variety of brake light problems can be caused by defective wiring that is either loose, frayed, or otherwise problematic
- Ensure that your connection is secure to evaluate whether or not the bulb light housing is defective. If this is the case, certain components may need to be changed in order to avoid future difficulties down the line.
One wire connects the brake light circuit to the turn signal circuit in certain automobiles and trucks, whereas in others, two wires are used to link the circuits.
- As a consequence, if your car has a problem with the turn signal connection, it may have a malfunctioning brake light as a result of the problem.
Reasons Why Tail Lights not Working When Brake Lights are:
However, what if you find yourself in the opposite circumstance to that mentioned above? Let’s have a look at some of the scenarios that might be causing your tail lights to stop operating properly despite the fact that your brake lights are working well.
- In most cases, while resolving this problem, the first piece of professional advise you’ll receive will be to check the tail light fuse. Frequently, a blown fuse is to blame
- Wiring – yet again, wiring difficulties are critical in determining the source of the problem. Because your brake lights and tail lights are powered by separate wire systems, any loose, frayed, broken, or otherwise defective wiring in your tail light system will normally not impact your brake lights. Another option is that you’re holding a faulty bulb (or a number of faulty bulbs). There’s a good chance that you’ll have this difficulty if the filament within the bulb is damaged.
Best Brake Lights to Buy
Check the tail light fuse first – while diagnosing this problem, the first piece of professional advise you’ll normally receive is to check the tail light fuse. Sometimes it’s because the fuse has blown; other times it’s because the battery has died. When it comes to detecting this problem, wiring difficulties are once again crucial. In most cases, if your tail lights are powered by a separate wiring system, any loose, frayed, or otherwise defective wire in your tail lights will have no effect on your brake lights.
There’s a good chance you’ll encounter this issue if the filament within the bulb is damaged.
- In addition to being a direct replacement bulb for rear brake lights and turn signals, the 7443 Red Brake Lights is a popular customer choice.
- Bulb features a cooling fan to minimize overheating, as well as no hyper-flashing or error messages to cause concern
- Ultra-bright, long-lasting bulbs are available.
A popular choice among fans, the 3157 Red Brake Lights is a spectacular, bright, and long-lasting bulb that also has a cooling fan and does not display any alarming hyper-flashing or error codes.
- Despite the fact that the deep red LED light spans 360 degrees, it promises maximum output.
Are you ready to upgrade the brake lights, tail lights, and other lights on your car or truck? Head on over to Underground Lighting and let the experts assist you in making the best decision possible for all of your car lighting requirements. Take a look at our infographic poster: