Rear brake lights not working on 1998 Chevy Lumina

most likely need new muli-function switch

replace the brake switch (sensor) under the brake pedal.

See if bulbs have burnt out in the left brake light and rear turn signal (one bulb if combined) and also rear center high mount brake light.

If the left turn signal has a slower speed than the right turn signal, this is a symptom of a bulb or bulbs burnt out.

Usually, the wiring is not a problem, but I would not rule wiring (or sockets) as a problem out.

Good luck on this repair.

Check the brake light switch on the top of brake pedal, it's most likely the cause.

yes, on multiple electrical problems like this the first thing is to check the ground circuits, in you case focus on the left rear

I've worked on these the first drove me crazy. its the turn signal switch every thing runs thru these. head lights, turn signal, brakes. except the third brake light. it runs directly from the brake switch. go figuare

the break light wire on the lumina runs through the blinker switch or multifunction switch on the colum.. check there as well as at the tail light sockets. on the late 90s gm cars the sockets had a tendancy to rot away... use a test light at the brake light wire in the trunk and have a friend apply the break. if there is power then may have to get new tail lights. or replacement bulbs.

Replace the turn signal switch. The 2 lower brake lights run through this swith but the upper one does not. Let me know if you have any questions. Its not a hard oub if you are fairly mechanical. I expensive to have a dealer do. The part new is about $65.00.

this would be a multifunction switch which turn signal switch wipers ect. run through located on steering column under plastic cover.assuming the brake light switch is good see if third brake light works when you press the pedal if so it is deffintly the multi switch.

This is a classic example of turn signal switch failure. On GM vehicles with a multi-function turn signal switch and combination stop/turn/tail lights (all rear lights are behind red colored lenses except for back-up lights) The brake light power is routed through the turn signal switch. This makes it possible for the right rear light to function as a stop light while the left rear turn signal flashes, and vice-versa. When the contacts fail to remain constant the brake lights, and turn signals can become intermittent. The proof that the brake light switch is functioning correctly is that the high center (cyclops) brake light functions properly. Wiring integrity is verified if you can prove that turn signals operate, but that can still be intermittent with this complaint, BUT if you use your hazard switch to turn on all the signals at once, you can verify wiring integrity. This is because the turn signal, and the brake light use the same circuit, and bulb filament in the rear lighting assembly. If any Hazard lights fail to function, check bulbs first, then retest. If all Hazrd light flash correctly and reliably, bulbs, sockets, and wiring have proven integrity, and the turn signal switch is the remaining component in the system which needs to be tested. Unfortunately, this switch requires disassembly of the steering column for service, testing or replacement. If you have never disassembled, and successfully reassembled a GM tilt steering column, I would reccommend professional assistance.