No Brake Lights ???

**new2dgame** · 09-05-2010, 09:10 PM

Got a problem..... I don't have tail light brake lights. However, the 3rd light brake light works. I've checked the bulbs and the fuses. All of the the tail lights work but when I hit the brakes, the only brake light that comes on is the 3rd brake light. Any suggestions?

**20ws6speed01** · 09-06-2010, 03:26 AM

R u sure the bulbs r good?...how about the connectors....if u hold the bulbs up to white paper and see a lite black spot is failed..

**Cutlass** · 09-06-2010, 04:29 AM

try the turn signals and 4 way flashers to help check the bulbs.

**justinmc978** · 09-06-2010, 06:54 AM

make sure you have dual filament bulbs and not single filament, if your turn signals work that would rule this out

**new2dgame** · 09-06-2010, 09:39 AM

turn signals work, haz lights works, i just have the third light brake light no other brake lights

**Cutlass** · 09-06-2010, 01:49 PM

It sounds like it could be the classic bad turn signal switch then. The brake lights go through the turn signal switch with the exception of the 3rd brake light. The 3rd brake light is fed power directly from the brake light switch. So if the 3rd brake lights up, that proves the brake switch is ok. And if the bulbs light up with the hazards and turn signals, then that proves the bulbs and wiring are ok. That only leaves the T/signal switch as the bad component. Confused yet or does that make sense?

**Too Fast** · 09-06-2010, 01:57 PM

Cutlass beat me to the answer....

**new2dgame** · 09-06-2010, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

It sounds like it could be the classic bad turn signal switch then. The brake lights go through the turn signal switch with the exception of the 3rd brake light. The 3rd brake light is fed power directly from the brake light switch. So if the 3rd brake lights up, that proves the brake switch is ok. And if the bulbs light up with the hazards and turn signals, then that proves the bulbs and wiring are ok. That only leaves the T/signal switch as the bad component. Confused yet or does that make sense?

ok..were is it located and were can i get another one from

**Cutlass** · 09-07-2010, 05:09 PM

Its inside the steering column, requires some special tools to get to it, and is a pain in the butt for a DIYer to replace (but fairly easy for a professional mechanic). Most parts stores sell them and of course the GM dealerships have them also.

**pajeff02** · 09-07-2010, 05:22 PM

Wow... I never would have guessed a faulty turn signal switch. Good info to tuck away for future reference.

**new2dgame** · 09-07-2010, 07:05 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

Its inside the steering column, requires some special tools to get to it, and is a pain in the butt for a DIYer to replace (but fairly easy for a professional mechanic). Most parts stores sell them and of course the GM dealerships have them also.

Thanks....

**damianj03** · 09-07-2010, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by new2dgame

Got a problem..... I don't have tail light brake lights. However, the 3rd light brake light works. I've checked the bulbs and the fuses. All of the the tail lights work but when I hit the brakes, the only brake light that comes on is the 3rd brake light. Any suggestions?

just wondering how does a turn signal switch going bad keep your brakes from coming on? since he said that all of his lights work except for when he hits the brake pedle

**Too Fast** · 09-08-2010, 02:58 AM

^^^Well,,,the quick explanation is, the B+ wiring runs from the brake pedal switch, thru the turn signal switch, before it goes to the outer brake lights. On cars that have red turnsignals, the filament that lights for the brake light in the bulb is the same one that comes on for hazards/turn signals.

Anytime you see some car, when they hit the brakes, and only the center high mount brake light lights up, but then they use a turn signal (if you're lucky!) and those outer lights work, that is a 98% chance the turn signal switch is defective.

It's different wiring if the turn signals are not the same as the brake lights, then the brake light wiring does not go thru the turn signal switch.

**20ws6speed01** · 09-08-2010, 04:18 PM

Try working 4 Chrysler..wiring sucks along w/diagrams

**damianj03** · 09-10-2010, 11:22 AM

sweet never knew that. thanks

**new2dgame** · 09-10-2010, 05:56 PM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

Its inside the steering column, requires some special tools to get to it, and is a pain in the butt for a DIYer to replace (but fairly easy for a professional mechanic). Most parts stores sell them and of course the GM dealerships have them also.

GOT BRAKE LIGHTS....Today picked up a turn signal switch and pulled the steering wheel off, removed the old switch installed the new one put the steering wheel back on and brake lights working perfect...Thanks Cutlass