2001 Nissan Maxima Tail/Brake light problem

BENSDAD

MEMBER
2001 NISSAN MAXIMA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
87,000 MILES

Our 2001 Nissan Maxima SE Has A Tail Light Problem. The Brake Light On The Driver's Side Does Not Light Up, Even After Replacing The Bulb. The Brake Light On The Passenger Side And Above The Trunk Works Fine. The Tail Light Bulb Does Turn On When The Headlights Are On (the Filament In The Tail Light That Is Supposed To Light When The Headlights Turn On - The Break Light Filament Still Does Not Turn On When The Headlights Are On And You Push On The Brake Pedal). Any Ideas? Should I Check A Fuse Or Wiring Or Could This Mean There Is Some Problem With The Left Rear Wheel Brake And The Car Is Showing The Problem By Not Activating The Left Rear Brake Light? I Appreciate Any Feedback And Advice You Can Offer.

1 Reply

CMDRDATATX

MEMBER
54 POSTS

You didn't mention if the rear LEFT (driver side) turn signal worked or not when you turn the left turn signal. I suspect that it DOES NOT work either.

The tail bulb has two filaments, one for normal tail lighting, the other (a brighter, higher wattage filament) is shared with turn signal and brake light. I think you should try to clean the dimples in the tail light bulb socket (use a pencil eraser) and make sure that the bulb sits correctly in the socket and try again. If this does not solve your problem, try replacing the turn signal flasher module (about $5), and see if this cheap fix would work. The wiring for for this function goes through the flasher circuitry.