Brake Light help needed:

Clutchee · 07-02-09, 08:17 PM

Ok folks here is what happens:

All lights off----apply brake=
Results: (both brake lights work, DS BRIGHT/ PS-just running light bright)

Key in ON position---- head lights on=
Results: Only DS brake light works-VERY bright, PS goes off NOTHING)
* let off the pedal w/ lights on & you have running lights on both sides
* third brake light--NO ISSUES!

NO trailer harness in system.

Any thoughts folks, wife's rig & I don't need her getting pulled over for this & not knowing how to fix it.
Would this be a ground issue or a power issue????

Any help is GREAT!!!
Thanks!!

Lka1988 · 07-02-09, 08:57 PM

Replace the bulb. Worth a try...

Clutchee · 07-02-09, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lka1988

Replace the bulb. Worth a try...

Yea, tried that but still the same result

MSGGrunt · 07-03-09, 05:16 AM

I had a similiar issue with my turn signal. Driver's would work and Passenger's would not. Replaced the bulb with one I had in the garage and it still didn't work. Tried another bulb and it worked. Though the bulbs looked the same I guess they were different.

80t0ylc · 07-03-09, 09:22 AM

Try replacing both brake light bulbs. The bright one may actually be a bad bulb. To prove that, swap original bulb positions & try testing before replacing with new bulbs and see if problem follows the suspected bulb. - HTH

grizzlygibbs · 07-03-09, 02:55 PM

is it possible you have the bulb in backwards IE there are two differ levels on the nubs on the bulb. I think I did this but it might have been on my old chevy?

80t0ylc · 07-03-09, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grizzlygibbs

is it possible you have the bulb in backwards IE there are two differ levels on the nubs on the bulb. I think I did this but it might have been on my old chevy?

Good point, griz. It's made that way on purpose - it's called keying the socket and you shouldn't be able to get that bulb in backwards, unless the socket is broken or the bulb was forced in. These dual circuit bulbs and sockets can be the source of a bunch of electrical nightmares, unless you know what's going on. Two circuits feed these sockets - 1. brake lights, & 2. tail/running lights. The wires and filaments are in close proximity and a short can mess up either or both. Residual moisture from water crossings can make it even worse. These light bulbs & sockets are a good place to start for twilight-zone electrical problems with your rear lights.

RescueU · 07-04-09, 09:25 AM

I have/had the same symptoms. I'd already swapped out the right side rear brake bulb recently and yet was told again it was out.

What happened in my case is that the wire for the brake signal is soldered to the exterior metal of the socket housing. I found that the wire wiggled abit too much and sure enough.. that's what was causing it. I soldered the wire back to the metal side of the socket and brake light was back in service.

I hope that helps.

Clutchee · 07-31-09, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RescueU

I have/had the same symptoms. I'd already swapped out the right side rear brake bulb recently and yet was told again it was out.

What happened in my case is that the wire for the brake signal is soldered to the exterior metal of the socket housing. I found that the wire wiggled abit too much and sure enough.. that's what was causing it. I soldered the wire back to the metal side of the socket and brake light was back in service.

I hope that helps.

Big thanks..... on Sunday I'll look into this

baktasht · 08-31-09, 03:46 PM

Did you ever find a solution for this?

Slim D · 08-31-09, 08:35 PM

I had a very similar issue. Light off, ps brake lights work. Lights on, ps brake light wouldn't.
Changed bulb, swapped bulbs, etc. I ending having to replace the entire socket.
Works fine now.