This is fairly easy to diagnose. Down by the brake pedal there is a switch. You may have to remove some trim panels to access it. There should be one wire with power all the time. There should be another wire that has power only when the brake pedal is depressed. If there is no power on any of the other wires with the brake pedal depressed than the switch is bad.
If there is power than the more common problem is the turn signal switch. I know it doesn't sound like it could be the problem but let me explain how it works. the turn signal and the brake use the same bulb. In order for the correct power source, brake lights or turn signals, to get to the correct bulb the turn signal switch is used. If you are not turning the power from the brake switch is routed through the turn signal switch and then sent to the two brake brake bulbs. If you are turning to the right power from the brake switch is cancelled to the right bulb and replaced by power from the turn signal flasher.
One quick way is to see if the third brake light is working. If it is you know the brake switch is working since power to the third brake light bypasses the turn signal switch.
Good Luck and let me know how it goes!
I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/jeremy_d728a59f986299fa
SOURCE: 1998 monte carlo brake light problems
Turn signal switch. With you foot on the brake have someone stand behind the car. Wiggle the turn signal lever and see if the the brake lights flicker.
SOURCE: 1998 monte carlo brake lights
I have the same problem,it's the switch inside the turn signal
assembly.Unfortunately the entire assembly switch and all has to be
replaced.
Hope this helps.
SOURCE: 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo. Brake lights won't work.
you give some good clues. because your third brake light works but not the other two, and because you sometimes get brake lights if you have turn signals on at the same time, i would say that some wires got crossed up with your other taillights. check out the power wires back in the taillight assembly and the wires that run back to the taillights. something is mixed up back there, now you just have to find it. if all else fails after you isolate which wires are the brake light wires get some new wire, same gauge and roughly same length, remove a bit of insulation but don't cut the wire in two, and put the new wire in as an overlay. if having the new piece of wire there makes the brake light work you found the break in the wire. you can cut out the bad piece and fasten the new piece in. you can solder it if you have the equipment to do that, or you can buy some squeeze in place connectors at the car parts store. either way, good idea to tape it up when you are done. hope that helps
SOURCE: Brake lights erractic on 1996 Monte Carlo
It could be wiring, a bad ground, a defective plug to the tail-light, the tail-light itself, a loose fuse, or a dirty or faulty connection at the hazard switch. If it is the hazard switch you can try to actuate it (on and off) 6 to 12 times. This may help clean off the contacts and let the brake lights, return to normal.
SOURCE: 1998 Chevrolet Monte Carlo brake lights do not
I had to replace the turn signal switch in my 1998 z34.Now everything works fine.
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