Car brake lights chore washed-up a brake pedal switch.
The brake lights in an van decorate when you employ the brakes to warn drivers persist you that you are slowing down. The brake lights are controlled by a switch that's connected to the brake pedal arm, said the Car mechanics at 2CarPros.com. The switch usually is emptied, explanation no electricity goes to the brake lights. When you utilize the brakes, the brake pedal arm closes the brake brilliance switch and electricity flows to clarify; to light up the brake lights.
Essential for Safety
New cars enjoy three brake lights: one on either side of the car's rear and the third either on the roofline or just above the trunk lid. But if the lights don't work, drivers behind you may not have warning that you are slowing and a collision could result. Also, having no brake lights could get you stopped by the police for defective equipment.
Troubleshooting Brake Lights
The No. 1 reason for brake light failure is burned-out light bulbs, said the 2CarPros experts, followed by fuse failure and brake light switch failure. If checking the bulbs, fuse and switch don't reveal the problem, you should consult a mechanic, they said.
Check Your Bulbs
Access to the bulbs typically is through the trunk, said 2CarPros.com.If bulb replacement doesn't fix the lights, check the system fuse, said 2CarPros.com. Car fuse blocks are typically located under the dash or under the hood at the power distribution module. Consult your owner's manual for exact location. Once the bulb has been removed, inspect it closely. If the bulb filament is broken or the bulb looks heavily smoked on the inside, replace it.
Check the Fuse
Remove the trunk covering to access the bulb holder and twist it out. In some cars you have to remove the entire taillight lens to get at the bulb holders. Consult your owner's manual for bulb access instructions.
Use Test Light
Take a 12-volt test light, connect its clip to bare metal, turn the ignition to "on" and use the probe to check both sides of the fuse. If the test light illuminates on both sides, the fuse is good. If only one side illuminates, the fuse is blown and must be replaced. Alternatively, you can test by replacing the suspect fuse with another of the same amperage value that you know is good. If replacement fuses keep blowing, said 2CarPros, there's a short in the brake light circuitry and you should consult a mechanic.
Check the Switch
Locate the brake light switch, which is under the dash somewhere close to the brake pedal arm. Most basic switches have two wires. Connect the test light clip to bare metal and touch the probe to the switch wires. One wire should illuminate the test light. Then press the brake pedal and touch the probe to the other wire. The test light should illuminate. If it doesn't light up, the switch is bad and must be replaced.
