rear brake light issue

jimgad · Nov 13th, 2017, 08:38

Hiya....given the help received before...and advice that absolutely works, I'm wondering if someone might point me in the right direction.
I got stopped by the police two nights ago. I've had an issue with drivers side tail light being troublesome, and presumed it was this again.
It was actually to show none of the 3 brake lights were working.
The only rear light...was passenger tail light.
I had no idea...the warning light was not on on the dash.
I was fortunate to say the least.
Is this likely to be brake relay? And is this located with the fuses?
Many thanks in advance!
Jim

penninepullman · Nov 14th, 2017, 10:35

I would suggest you check the fuse first.
If this is OK, would then suggest checking the brake light switch
If you are not familiar with this, it is under the brake pedal.
Pull both wires off, and join together to see if brake lights work. If they do, switch is faulty.

There is no relay as such; the only unit in line is the bulb failure unit.
Some cars have one unit; others have separate front and rear units.

Laird Scooby · Nov 15th, 2017, 11:34

What he said ^^^^^. My first port of call would be the fuse but don't discount the possibility that all 3 brake light bulbs have blown.

The brake lights should work without the key in the ignition which makes life easier. A handy tip is if you can get the car somewhere dark or at least fairly heavily shaded (part way into a garage is good) you should see the glow of the brake lights without having to get out of the car to check.

Also when you check the fuse, it may look alright but i've known many that have hairline cracks so they don't actually pass current, if in doubt replace with a new one.

loki_the_glt · Nov 16th, 2017, 17:17

Also, check the lampholders are making proper contact with the power, and, particularly, earth strips; the contacts might need cleaning up and re-shaping to meet the strips (speaks a voice of experience, having had the bulb-out relay come on when pressing the brake pedal on more than one occasion).

jimgad · Nov 18th, 2017, 14:04

Did all of the above including cleaning contacts etc, changed the fuse and yes!!! I have brakes!
As always thanks guys! Into my 5th year with a car I bought to last me 6 months!

Nov 13th, 2017, 08:38	#1
jimgad Junior Member Last Online: May 28th, 2019 00:01 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: london	rear brake light issue Hiya....given the help received before...and advice that absolutely works, I'm wondering if someone might point me in the right direction. I got stopped by the police two nights ago. I've had an issue with drivers side tail light being troublesome, and presumed it was this again. It was actually to show none of the 3 brake lights were working. The only rear light...was passenger tail light. I had no idea...the warning light was not on on the dash. I was fortunate to say the least. Is this likely to be brake relay? And is this located with the fuses? Many thanks in advance! Jim

Nov 15th, 2017, 11:34	#3
Laird Scooby Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 20:02 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Lakenheath	What he said ^^^^^. My first port of call would be the fuse but don't discount the possibility that all 3 brake light bulbs have blown. The brake lights should work without the key in the ignition which makes life easier. A handy tip is if you can get the car somewhere dark or at least fairly heavily shaded (part way into a garage is good) you should see the glow of the brake lights without having to get out of the car to check. Also when you check the fuse, it may look alright but i've known many that have hairline cracks so they don't actually pass current, if in doubt replace with a new one. __________________ Cheers Dave Next Door to Top-Gun with a Honda CR-V & S Type Jag Volvo gone but not forgotten........

Nov 16th, 2017, 17:17	#4
loki_the_glt Torquemeister Last Online: Apr 22nd, 2024 11:43 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Asgard, Cheshire	Also, check the lampholders are making proper contact with the power, and, particularly, earth strips; the contacts might need cleaning up and re-shaping to meet the strips (speaks a voice of experience, having had the bulb-out relay come on when pressing the brake pedal on more than one occasion). __________________ loki_the_glt - Skipper of the Exxon Valdez, driver of Sweden's finest sporting saloon - and pining for another Slant-4.

Nov 14th, 2017, 10:35	#2
penninepullman VOC Member Last Online: Apr 15th, 2024 13:33 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Harrow	I would suggest you check the fuse first. If this is OK, would then suggest checking the brake light switch If you are not familiar with this, it is under the brake pedal. Pull both wires off, and join together to see if brake lights work. If they do, switch is faulty. There is no relay as such; the only unit in line is the bulb failure unit. Some cars have one unit; others have separate front and rear units.

Nov 18th, 2017, 14:04	#5
jimgad Junior Member Last Online: May 28th, 2019 00:01 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: london	Did all of the above including cleaning contacts etc, changed the fuse and yes!!! I have brakes! As always thanks guys! Into my 5th year with a car I bought to last me 6 months!

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