2001 Nissan Xterra Logo
Posted on Jul 08, 2009
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Brake lights will not work

I replaced the fuse and the bulbs for the brake lights but they will not work? What can I do next?

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Anonymous

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  • Expert 190 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 08, 2009
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You need to replace your brake light switch. It is located on the brake pedal under the dash. Good luck

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  • Expert 52 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 08, 2009
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Brake light switch located on the brake pedal bracket.

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5 Related Answers

oneStan

oneStan

  • 617 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 22, 2010

SOURCE: Brake lights don't work. Replaced bulbs, checked

Yes, you need to of course check the voltage coming into and going out of the brake light switch, if 12 Volts are there going out and coming in while pressing on the brake pedal, your brake lights aren't getting a good ground or there is a break in the circuit between that switch & the lights.

On occasion the tail lights will work with a weak ground circuit where the Brake lights won't. Best way to determine this is to just hook up the 12 volt tester to the Brake light hot wire & there at the bulb ground, then in an area away from the bulb that has a good possibility of contact/ground.

Really that's it, if the 12Volts is getting to the bulb but it isn't lighting, if you aren't getting the voltage there and the brake switch is hot on both sides when pressed, the break in voltage will have to be traced from that switch to the tail light to find the problem.

good luck.

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Anonymous

  • 65 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 26, 2009

SOURCE: 2003 silverado 1500 v-6 brake lights dont work

HI!!!! brake ligth swich is located inthe brake pedal on top get them off is hold it by pins o screws replace this thing only if you check the fusess and the are ok.

milespeed

  • 599 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 07, 2008

SOURCE: brake lights dont work

check brake light switch..under dash up at top of brake pedal.with wiring harness on one side and spring loaded pintle on other that reads when brake pedal is applied

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on May 23, 2009

SOURCE: Brake lights not working

There is a flaw in the wiring of this model to the rear brake lights. Take it to a trusted mechanic if they follow the wires they will see where the sodder/connection has been broken. Jeep no longer uses this type of wiring. My mechanic said he got lucky and found the break, but if it happened again, he would have to replace ALL the wiring most likely.

FYI - I had this same problem about a year ago.

Anonymous

  • 484 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 26, 2009

SOURCE: 1989 Toyota Camry. No brake lights.

It could be the relay, which is a yellow box located under the carpeting in the trunk on the left side. It is a problem common to your model. Also, check the brake switch's (behind the brake pedal) functionality (12V present with key at ACC or ON and continuity between wires when button engaged).

i hope this helps
-matthew

Testimonial: "Wow! I would have never found the problem without you guys. It was the relay located in the trunk. Thanks!"

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Brake Lights Dull or Flickering - All Cars


Dull or Dim Brake Light Repair: If your car has a dull or dim brake light it is dangerous to you and other drivers. A dim brake light is a mystery to most people because the bulb is working, just not correctly. First confirm a new and correct brake light bulb has been installed. Next, turn the ignition key to the "on" position and have a helper depress the brake pedal. With the bulb installed touch a grounded test light to the outer bulb holder ring. If the bulb brightness changes the bulb socket ground has high resistance and needs to be repaired or replaced.

Flickering Brake Light Bulb Repair: A flickering brake light bulb can be very distracting and annoying. A brake light flickers because the power or ground is being obstructed momentarily. The most common cause for this condition is a loose fitting bulb socket. To check for this condition remove the brake light bulb in question, while a helper hold their foot on the brake pedal move the bulb around slightly in the socket. If the bulb flickers replace or repair the bulb socket as needed to regain proper brake light bulb operation. If the brake light bulb socket tests ok wiggle the brake light fuse and wiring at the brake light bulb socket, brake light switch and turn signal switch (American cars). If the brake light bulb flickers repair the component or wiring as needed.
Preferred Procedure: Always replace brake light bulbs with manufacturers recommend replacement bulbs. If you cannot find the correct replacement bulb part number consult an auto parts store for additional manufacturer information.
Common Problems
When brake light bulbs are replaced with the incorrect bulb causing no or dim brake light operation
If the brake lights stay on continuously it could mean the brake light switch has failed or an adjustment is needed.
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My brake and hazard lights don't work on my 2001 Chevy Astro Van. Turn signals work fine, running lights work, and the top brake light works fine. Replaced bulbs, no change, fuses are fine. Where do I look...

Buy a cheap multimeter and measure your voltage at the bulb when the brake lights are supposed to be on. You should have 12vdc. Is your 3rd brake light and brake lights on the same fuse? If not, measure to see if you have 12vdc at the fuse itself.
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Brake lights not working on my 1985 ford f150 after I replaced the brake switch

disconnect turn signal switch wires @ column, put power to wires to brake lights. that cks wiring to lights. next put power to wires through turn signal to ck switch. Power runs from brake light switch to turnsignal switch, to lights.
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My brake lights and rear blinkers are not working. I have replaced the bulbs in both brake lights. What next?

most blinkers uses relays, and when they flashes fast one light is out, but you replaced your burnt bulb might be a bad relay.
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I have a 91 ford f150 and the brake lights wont work and the rear right blinker is dim. Can you help me?

Check System Fuse - A fuse is used to protect the brake light circuit from amperage overload. If the fuse has failed it will not allow the electrical current to continue to the brake lights. To check the fuse, first locate the brake light system fuse in the fuse panel which is either under the dash or under the hood in the power distribution center. Connect the test light to a ground like an engine or dash bracket and turn the ignition key to the "on" position. Using the test light probe both sides of the fuse. If the test light illuminates on both sides the fuse is okay continue onto the next step. If one side of the fuse illuminates the fuse has failed and needs to be replaced. If the fuse fails as soon as it is replaced or when you apply the brake pedal the brake light electrical circuit is shorted to ground. Rarely a system short can occur, a car repair manual is needed to find the wiring schematic for the brake light circuit. Once the brake light wiring has been located inspect and repair as needed.

Check Brake Light Bulbs - All cars have three brake light bulbs that create the brake light illumination affect. If all of these brake light bulbs fail no brake light operation will occur. I know what you're thinking, you might say all three brake lights at once? But in reality one brake light went out at a time and you did not notice. People only tend to notice something when they almost run into the back of your car to help persuade them to inform you the brake lights aren't working. Remove any of the brake light bulbs to confirm the bulb is okay or burned. After the bulb has been removed inspect the filament and replace if failed. If the brake light bulbs are okay continue to the next step.

Checking the Brake Light Switch - A control switch is used to connect the brake light electrical circuit. This switch is located near the brake pedal lever. Basic switches have just two wires, power in and power out to the turn signal switch. Use a test light that is grounded and with the key in the "on" position test for power at one side (wire) of the switch, then press the brake pedal while testing the opposite side (wire). It should illuminate the test light, if electrical power is connected through the switch go to the next step. If no power is detected through the switch the brake light switch has failed and replacement is required. If your car is equipped with more than two wires integrated into the brake light switch a car repair manual is needed to locate the proper brake light circuit wiring.
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Toyo dyna 92 break lights not working , is there a fuse for this or is it hard wired bulbs ,work fine , ?

There is a fuse for the brake lights. Check fuse and replace if blown. If the fuse is not blown, check the bulbs themselves. If the bulbs are good, then the next step is to replace the brake light switch located under steering column attached to brake pedal rod.
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Brake lights do not work All bulbs have been replaced.

Troubleshooting Procedures - Read Completely Before Beginning
(American Car) All Brake Lights Not Working
  • Check System Fuse: A fuse is used to protect the brake light circuit from amperage overload. If the fuse has failed it will not allow the electrical current to continue to the brake lights. To check the fuse, first locate the brake light system fuse in the fuse panel which is either under the dash or under the hood in the power distribution center. Connect the test light to a ground like an engine or dash bracket and turn the ignition key to the "on" position. Using the test light probe both sides of the fuse. If the test light illuminates on both sides the fuse is ok continue onto the next step. If one side of the fuse illuminates the fuse has failed and needs to be replaced. If the fuse fails as soon as it is replaced or when you apply the brake pedal the brake light electrical circuit is shorted to ground. Rarely a system short can occur, a car repair manual is needed to find the wiring schematic for the brake light circuit. Once the brake light wiring has been located inspect and repair as needed.
  • Check Brake Light Bulbs: All cars have three brake light bulbs that create the brake light illumination affect. If all of these brake light bulbs fail no brake light operation will occur. I know what you're thinking, you might say all three brake lights at once? But in reality one brake light went out at a time and you did not notice. People only tend to notice something when they almost run into the back of your car to help persuade them to inform you the brake lights aren't working. Remove any of the brake light bulbs to confirm the bulb is ok or burned. After the bulb has been removed inspect the filament and replace if failed. If the brake light bulbs are ok continue to the next step.
  • Checking the Brake Light Switch: A control switch is used to connect the brake light electrical circuit. This switch is located near the brake pedal lever. Basic switches have just two wires, power in and power out to the turn signal switch. Use a test light that is grounded and with the key in the "on" position test for power at one side (wire) of the switch, then press the brake pedal while testing the opposite side (wire). It should illuminate the test light, if electrical power is connected through the switch go to the next step. If no power is detected through the switch the brake light switch has failed and replacement is required. If your car is equipped with more than two wires integrated into the brake light switch a car repair manual is needed to locate the proper brake light circuit wiring.
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