Brake lights ensure a safe stop and warn the drivers behind your vehicle to prevent collisions. The headlights may function properly, but you might experience problems with the brake lights. When the headlights are on, how do you troubleshoot brake lights not working?
Burnt bulbs or blown fuse are the most common problems with faulty brake lights. You can fix the issue by replacing the bulb or fuse. But if the problem still exists, check for the brake light switch, corrosion on electrical components, and brake light module.
Diagnosing the problem can be easy if you follow my guide below. Let’s read and learn how to fix the brake light doesn’t work when headlights are on.
Causes of Brake Lights Not Working When Headlights Are On
When you notice the headlights on your vehicle are on but the brake lights are not working, there can be problems below. You must check for these issues to fix the problem.
- Burnt-out brake light bulbs
- Faulty brake light switch
- Blown fuses
- Corroded or loose electrical connections
- Brake light module malfunction
It may help you fix the issues with the Honda Civic Brake lights: Honda Civic brake lights wont turn off
Signs and Symptoms of Brake Lights Not Working When Headlights Are On
Here is the list of a few major signs you may notice if brake lights are not working, but headlights are on.
- Your headlights may illuminate dimly or even not illuminate upon pressing the brakes.
- Another common sign is when you press the brake; there is no change in the intensity of the rear lights.
- Flickering or inconsistent brake lights are also a symptom of an issue with your brake lights.
- Frequent fuse or electrical issues can also be an early warning for bad brake lights.
Read and explore the ways to fix brake light problems on GMC Sierra: GMC Sierra brake lights not working
Brake Light Doesn’t Work When Headlights Are On-[ Problems & Solutions]
Problem 1: Burnt-Out Brake Light Bulbs
Burnt-out bulbs are the most common cause when the brake lights do not work while the headlights are on. It can happen due to wet weather or accidents. It is the first thing that everyone should check to get a quick fix.
Solution:
- Switch off your vehicle and open your vehicle’s rear trunk or hatch.
- Locate the brake light housing and remove its cover.
- After that, you can inspect the bulb and check for burn-out, such as blackened filament.
- Replace it with a new one if it is burned out.
- After replacement, put back the cover and housing.
- Start your vehicle and ensure the brake light is illuminating correctly.
It may help you fix Jeep Cherokee brake light problems: 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee brake lights not working
Problem 2: Faulty Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch is responsible for transmitting power to the brake lights to illuminate. If the brake light switch has issues, it will fail to transmit power. Your brake light could not illuminate even if the headlights were on. You must check for the brake light switch to fix the issue.
Solution:
- Check for the brake light switch under the brake pedal.
- Test the brake light switch by pressing the brake pedal; if the switch is clicking, it is okay; otherwise, it needs replacement.
- Unscrew the faulty brake light switch and mount a new brake light switch. While mounting, ensure you have made the right connections.
- After that, test and ensure the brake lights are working.
Problem 3: Blown Fuses
The fuse is responsible for a consistent power supply to the brake light circuit. If the fuse is blown, it will fail to supply the required power for the brake lights to illuminate. Ultimately, you will experience a brake light not working problem. Check and replace the fuse to get rid of the problem.
Solution:
- Turn off your vehicle and open its hood to access the engine compartment.
- Look for the fuse box near the engine.
- Once located, read the instructions on the fuse box carefully to identify the brake light fuse.
- Remove the brake light fuse if it is damaged or blown. If it looks okay, check its continuity using a multimeter. I recommend the Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital multimeter for accurate results.
- If the fuse fails the test, replace it with a compatible fuse.
- After replacing the fuse, turn your vehicle on and test and ensure the issue has been fixed.
Problem 4: Corroded or Loose Electrical Connections
Corrosion in the electrical components can disturb the circuit’s continuity. If there is corrosion, you may experience voltage drop issues that may cause the brake lights problems, even if the headlights work okay. It happens due to poor electrical contact.
Solution:
- Turn off your vehicle and inspect the brake light wiring, especially the connection points.
- Check the contact points thoroughly and ensure there is no corrosion. However, if you notice the corrosion, take a wire brush and remove the corrosion.
- After removal of corrosion, apply anti-corrosion material to prevent it in the future.
- After the removal of corrosion, check and ensure the connections are tight.
- Now, start the vehicle and ensure the brake lights are functioning correctly.
You must read this blog if you have a brake light problem on your Honda Accord: Honda Accord brake lights not working
Problem 5: Brake Light Module Malfunction
The brake light module ensures proper illumination of the brake light. If it is faulty, it can disrupt the electrical circuit. When the headlights are on but the module fails to transmit the necessary signal, it may prevent the brake light from turning on. Check for the module to fix the issue.
Solution:
- Check for the brake light module. It is usually mounted under the brake pedal or under the dashboard.
- Check it thoroughly for damage.
- If the brake module is damaged, it will need replacement.
- Also, check its components; sometimes, you can fix the problem by replacing the parts.
- Once done, test the lights and ensure the brake lights are on when the headlights are on.
If you have time, visit this link; it will help you fix brake light issues on dodge ram: dodge ram brake lights not working
One Brake Light Not Working When Headlights Are On
When your brake light is not working but the headlights are on, you may have an issue with the bulb, socket, or wiring. Check for all these problems to fix the problem.
Solution:
- First, check the bulb for a faulty brake light bulb. If the bulb is damaged or broken, replace it with a good-quality bulb.
- Next, check the bulb socket and ensure the socket is okay. There should be no corrosion or dust. If available, remove it and ensure there is no dust or corrosion. Also, check the socket connection; there should be no loose connections; tighten them or replace the socket.
- Finally, check the wires and repair or replace the broken or damaged wires.
- After fixing the issues, test the brake light and ensure the problems are removed.
Read and fix your brake light bulb issues on Ford Escape: Ford escape brake light bulb fault
Driver Side Brake Light Not Working When Headlights Are On
Your driver-side brake light may not work when headlights are on due to some common issues, such as burnt bulbs, wiring problems, or brake light issues. You have to check for these problems to fix the issue quickly.
Solution:
- Start with checking the driver-side brake light bulb for burnout or damage. If the bulb is broken, you will need a replacement. I recommend Philips Automotive Lighting bulb for consistent and long-lasting performance.
- Next, check for the assembly and its wires and connections. Make sure the connection is tight; if it is, tighten it. Repair or replace the wires that are broken or damaged.
- Finally, check for the brake light switch functionality and ensure it is working fine. If the brake light switch is faulty, replace it with a compatible one.
- Test and ensure the brake lights are now working okay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why tail lights dont work when headlights are on?
There can be several problems with tail light issues when headlights are on. Some common causes include faulty fuse, burn-out bulbs, or wiring problems. You should check for these problems to fix the issue quickly.
Is there a fuse for the brake light?
Yes, there is a fuse for the brake light. It is usually located in the fuse box. A fuse box is available near the engine compartment. A blown fuse is a common issue, so it is good if you start by checking the blown fuse.
Do tail lights come on with headlights?
Yes, tail lights usually turn on when headlights are turned on. This is because it improves visibility from the rear of the vehicle. It ensures safer nighttime driving and indicates that the vehicle is in motion.
Why are both my tail lights not working?
If you have an issue with both your tail lights, there may be an issue with the fuse, bulb, or wiring issues. Check for both bulbs, fuse, or the wiring and connections of both headlights. Replace or repair the components that need repair or replacement.
Conclusion
Fixing the brake light problem on your vehicle is essential for ensuring your and your vehicle’s safety. It prevents you from having severe accidents. However, it needs proper checking and diagnosis of the issue. Once you find the issue, fix it accordingly, following the above guidelines.