Both brake lights not working

Tiny
LORDJUBBLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 VAUXHALL ASTRA
  • 1.6L
  • MANUAL
  • 126,000 MILES
Hi I have recently found out that both my rear brake lights are not working. The central LED brake light in the back windscreen works when the brake pedal is pressed down though.

I have checked bulbs and they are fine. I have checked fuse and that is fine. My next part was the switch but was told that it may be the wiring or circuits for the brake lights.

Can anyone please give me any idea as to where I start looking for the fault? Many thanks
Sunday, March 16th, 2014 AT 3:57 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,136 POSTS
First, I double check those bulbs to make sure that they are in fact good. Buy a couple of new bulbs and try them. Sometimes bad bulbs will look perfectly fine. If that does not work use a test light to make sure that there is power to the brake light sockets with someone pushing on the brake pedal. Obviously the brake switch works because the third brake light lights up so it looks like the turn signal switch is no good but to be sure here is a guide and the brake light wiring diagrams so we can confirm the failure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
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Sunday, March 16th, 2014 AT 7:15 AM
Tiny
JQBULAMAIBAU
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
Thanks for this guide, I found out the multi function switch was bad I had to get a new one cost me $121.00 all fixed!
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
DAVE WARD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 VAUXHALL ASTRA
  • 124,000 MILES
I have changed my brake light switch on my Astra 02 plate, but the brake lights still wont work? I have checked the fuses, changed the bulbs for new ones and tested the circuit (digi-meter) for power to all connections, and this has come up fine.
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Do you have power at the switch and power through the switch with the pedal depressed? Check with a test light.
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If battery voltage is available st the brake switch terminal, use a fuse wire to bridge the 2 terminals and check if the brake lights comes on. If no, you have a fault with the wiring circuit or brake bulbs.
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DELFREDO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 VAUXHALL ASTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 55,000 MILES
I recently noticed that my third brake light at the top center of the rear screen is not working, although the left and right brake lights work perfectly. I drive a 4-door hatchback. What could the problem be? Firstly is the center brake light powered by globe(s) that can be replaced or LEDs? The manual provides instruction for replacing all globes except the center brake light, so I suspect that it may be LEDs that are supposed to last the life of the car. Secondly, could there be two separate brake switches, one for the normal left and right brake lights and another for the center brake light? Where can I locate this to confirm? Thanks and appreciate your replies.
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAVE H
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,383 POSTS
There is only one brake switch. You should be able to replace the bulbs.
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-1
Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JON STOKES
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 VAUXHALL ASTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Bulbs and fuse ok, so I'm assuming it's the brake light switch, if so how do you replace?
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Although I am not familiar with this model (i am in Australia) they are normally screwed into a bracket or fitted with a clip, it should be quite obvious when viewed, it will be located at the top of the brake pedal under the dash, have a look.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Thursday, March 14th, 2019 AT 3:07 PM (Merged)

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