Breaklights

KEVIN DICK

MEMBER
2002 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
150,000 MILES

The brake lights are not working, but the third brake light in the rear window does work. All the fuses seem to be good and with the third brake light working. I do not think it could be the switch on the brake pedal. What else could it be?

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016 AT 8:01 PM

4 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

It could still be the switch most of the time there are power feeds coming out of the switch for left right and high mount brake lights. Do you have a test light to do some testing?

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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016 AT 11:02 PM

KEVIN DICK

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes I have a test light somewhere or at least can go pick one out. What exactly do I want to put the test light on on the switch behind the pedal or at the bulbs or just all around and just keep watching where I have power? I have definitely never been mistaken for an electrician.

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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 11:09 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

If the brake lights are the same as the signal bulbs, a bad turn-signal switch can cause this type of problem. A bad signal switch will still allow the third light to work. With this system, the turn signals and brakes use the same circuit. Power is run through the signal switch to the brake lights. The turn signal switch, when used, cancels the brake light signal on the side selected otherwise the light would not flash. Also, an open circuit to the lower tail lights can be the problem.

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Thursday, June 23rd, 2016 AT 7:31 PM

SATURNTECH9