Brake lights not working

ME TOO

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET S-10
4.2L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
139,000 MILES

Brake lights do not come on when pedal depressed. There is no power at the light sockets. Have changed the bulbs, switch and the multi function signal switch.
Also, the blow motor does not come on but is intermittent.

Saturday, May 19th, 2018 AT 10:11 AM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,870 POSTS

It is not likely two problems developed at the same time on the two rear circuits, so for now, lets assume the problem is ahead of the signal switch. That is where the brake light circuit splits in two. Go back to the brake light switch and check for twelve volts on the orange wire. That should be there all the time. If it is missing, check fuse # 1, a 20-amp "brake/Hazard fuse in the inside fuse box. Faster than removing it, there are two tiny holes on top for test points. Check if there is twelve volts on both of them. If there is, the fuse is okay. If it is missing on both test points, we'll have to work back further.

If you do have twelve volts on the orange wire, check for twelve volts on the white wire at the brake light switch. That should only be there when you press the brake pedal. If you have it there, we will need to go up to the signal switch to continue. Let me know what you find.

Does the center brake light work properly?