Hello all, starting yesterday a buddy of mine noticed when I hit the brakes the taillights don’t brighten up. After all day researching, I have replaced both the brake light and taillight fuse, along with the brake pedal switch. Nothing, still no brake lights. Taillights work but are dim, which they always sorta have been. I haven’t found much information anywhere about anyone having this issue. I did disconnect my yaw sensor the same day the issue started but have many buddies who have done the same that still have brake lights. I have run out of options and am not sure what else to do, any help is appreciated.

 

Check the brake pedal switch for power, should have 12vdc continuously regardless of ignition key position (brake lights will always work).

If you have 12vdc then check for continuity on the brake pedal switch, you should have continuity when the switch is depressed.

Alternately you could try to backprobe the brake switch and check for voltage on both sides but it's VERY tight up under the dash and I don't think you could do it without possibly arcing out against the bracket. If you removed the switch from the bracket you could probably backprobe.

The brake switch goes directly to the CHMSL and tail light assembly, pink wire / blue stripe. Test for 12vdc with the brake pedal depressed on those as well.

Ground wire for the taillights is on the chassis right next to the trunk latch. Pull back the carpet and you'll see a 2wire 1 hole lug landed on the chassis metal. I'm guessing the ground is fine since it handles ALL the rear lights, including back up and turn signal. If those other lights work it's probably not the ground wire.

 

Update, so I found out that once i replace the fuse, the brake lights work for a second then it blows the fuse again. Not sure on where to go from there.

 

Sounds like u have a short somewhere. Or maybe even a bad taillight assembly.

Try unplugging both taillights and then putting in a new fuse to see if it blows again. If not, then plug in each taillight and see which one blows it.

 

replied to your other thread.

 

Update for everyone, solved the issue. Had a technician at my work tell me that the rear defrost commonly shorts out on these cars, went ahead and unplugged the rear defrost and brake lights work fine. Appreciate the help from everyone!!