Sometimes the brake lights don’t work, but the tail lights do. This is generally a common problem in vehicles, and lights not working during braking can also cause an accident.
If the brake light is not working in vehicles but the tail light is, then there can be different reasons for it. Because the function of the tail light is different from the function of the brake light,.
Therefore, you should know what the possible reasons are for why the brake light of your car is not working but the tail light is.
7 Reasons Why Your Brake Lights Are Not Working But Tail Lights Are
If your brake lights are not working but your tail lights are, then the possible causes of this problem are as follows.
1. Damage Light Bulbs
Some vehicles have separate bulbs for the brake light and tail light, and in some vehicles, the same double-pointed bulb is used for the brake light and tail light.
That’s why sometimes the bulb of a vehicle’s brake light gets fused, or the point of the brake light gets fused in a double-point bulb, due to which the tail light works properly. But the brake lights don’t work when the brakes are applied.
2. Corrosion In Bulb Holder
Sometimes, rust and carbon build up between the brake light bulb and holder. Due to this, the power supply from the holder to the brake light bulb stops, and the brake light bulb does not light up during braking.
Corrosion accumulation in the brake light holder may be caused by water ingress into the brake light or vapor accumulation in the brake light during rainy days.
3. Damage or Broken Wiring
Generally, the main reason for brake lights not working in vehicles is damaged wiring. Because if any wiring related to the brake light is broken, it will be unable to send power supply to the brake light bulb. Sometimes the brake light wiring may get damaged due to short circuit or being gnawed by a rat.
However, the shock may cause the light bulb wire to break, causing the bulb to stop burning. If the brake lights do not work when you apply the brakes, but the tail lights work, the first thing to do is check the wiring and bulb.
4. Faulty Brake Light Switch
Often, vehicles are fitted with a brake light switch to operate the brake lights. This brake light switch is connected to the brake pedal of the vehicle. Thereby, whenever the brake pedal is pressed.
Then the brake light switch also depresses and turns on the power supply to the brake lights, due to which the brake light works when the brakes are applied. But sometimesthe brake light switch goes bad.
Due to this, the power supply does not reach the bulb of the brake light even when the brake switch is pressed by the brake pedal. Because of this, the brake light does not work. But the tail light is working. Therefore, if this happens, the brake light switch must be checked.
5. Damaged Ground Connection
To turn on the light bulb of any vehicle, positive and negative currents are always required from the battery, with the negative connection supplied from the body of the vehicle. Because the negative connection of the battery is directly connected to the vehicle body shell.
But sometimes the main reason for brake light not working is a damaged or broken negative ground connection. So, if the brake light is not working, clean the loose ground connection and tighten it properly to fix it.
6. Brake Light Fuse Blown
Different fuses are provided for all electrical functions in vehicles. All these different fuses are fitted in the fuse box of the vehicle. Fuses are provided from a protective point of view for any electrical function of the vehicle.
which the related fuse blows when any electrical function of the vehicle is damaged or there is a short circuit, causing the power supply to stop. Similarly, sometimes the fuse in the brake light of the vehicle gets blown for some reason.
Due to this, the power supply does not reach the bulb of the brake light in the event of braking. Due to this, the brake light does not work. But the tail light is working properly.
7. Bad Turn Signal Control Assembly
In some vehicles, the brake light power supply is connected to the turn light control assembly, and the power supply from the turn light control assembly goes directly to the brake light switch, which turns the brake lights on when the brakes are applied.
But sometimes the turn light control assembly gets damaged, due to which the power supply does not reach the brake light switch, and when the brake pedal is pressed, the brake light does not work, but the tail lights are.
How To Test & Fix Brake Light Not Working?
To fix this, it is necessary to first investigate the reason why the brake lights are not working. So you can repeat the following process to fix the brake light. such as
If the brake lights are not working, check the brake light bulb and fuse. If the brake light bulb is bad or the fuse is blown, replace the bulb with a new fuse of the same amperage.
Next, clean off any rust from the brake light bulb and holder.
Next, check the other brake light wiring. If the brake light wiring is damaged somewhere, repair or replace it.
In this process, you will need to check the brake light switch. Also, replace the bad brake light switch.
Check the brake light ground connection, and also clean and tighten the ground connection.
Check the turn light control assembly; if this assembly is damaged, you will need to replace it.
This is how you can fix a brake light that is not working.
What Causes Both Brake Lights Not Work?
If both brake lights of your car are not working then it means that the light bulbs should be fine. This problem may be related to the brake light wiring or fuse.
Therefore, whenever both the brake lights of your vehicle are not working, the wiring connections and fuses should be checked. Apart from this, bad brake light switch can also be the reason, which should be checked. You can use a test lamp or multimeter to check this.
Why is One Brake Light Not Working But Bulb is Good?
If a brake light is not working when braking but the bulb is good, the main cause is a problem with the wiring. In most cases, this problem is caused by stretched or broken wires.
When this happens, you should check the wiring and make sure power is being supplied to the light bulb. You can use a test meter or test lamp to test the wiring.
FAQ’s
How Much Does it Cost To Fix Brake Lights?
The cost of fixing brake lights is cheap. Repairs to the brake light bulb, fuse, and wiring can cost between $20 and $35, including a mechanic’s labor.
Can You Legally Drive With Your Brake Lights Out?
It is illegal to drive a vehicle when the brake lights are not working, and driving skills are not recommended to drive the vehicle with the brake lights off. Because it can cause an accident for you and for others.
Should You Change Both Brake Lights At The Same Time?
If you are changing a single brake light bulb, then consider replacing the other brake light bulb at the same time. Because the age and lifetime of both the bulbs of brake lights are the same. because it is not a matter of high cost.
Why Your Brake Lights Are Not Working But Tail Lights Are?
If your brake lights are not working but the tail lights are, possible causes could be bad light bulbs, a faulty brake light switch, a blown fuse, or damaged wiring. Additionally, ground connections may also be loose or corroded.
