Brake Lights - Electrical Fault?

darkcloudi

I am trying to figure out what is going on with my brake lights, it only affects one light.

I got a feeling its an electrical fault as occasionally it comes on when I take the light off and put it back into the slot, any ideas what I should be looking for or how much it would cost for some mechanic to look at.

Its a Honda Civic if it helps.

stekka

More often than not, this would just be a loose connection to the bulb assembly. Does the brake light come on sporadically?


If you're not comfortable playing around with the wiring, then I can't see it being an expensive fix.

oldhand

If it comes on sometimes by removing the bulb and reinserting it as you mention try swapping the other brake light bulb for it and if it then works without coming on/off now and then its the bulb at fault.Look at the contacts on the bottom of the bulb in case some corrosion is giving a bad contact and if so rub with a little emery paper.

darkcloudi

stekka wrote: »

More often than not, this would just be a loose connection to the bulb assembly. Does the brake light come on sporadically?


If you're not comfortable playing around with the wiring, then I can't see it being an expensive fix.

Yes it seems to be coming on sporadically, I have been playing around with the wires (moving it around a little) and it occasionally comes on. Could not figure out what the cause is and was concerned as in 2 weeks I got an MOT booking :eek:

MoneyMate

Some times I see brake light wiring faults when viewed from the rear, side lights OK until brake light come on, then one of the side lights go out.

Iv'e always thought it was a wiring fault.

darkcloudi

oldhand wrote: »

If it comes on sometimes by removing the bulb and reinserting it as you mention try swapping the other brake light bulb for it and if it then works without coming on/off now and then its the bulb at fault.Look at the contacts on the bottom of the bulb in case some corrosion is giving a bad contact and if so rub with a little emery paper.

I bought a new bulb today and it seems to be the same issue on that as I assumed the bulb blew but it appears to be an electrical fault. Its annoying as it occasionally comes on and off

darkcloudi

Thanks all for the responses I will have a look at the electrical issues over the weekend or possibly tomorrow. Hopefully, its an easy fix.

Ectophile

One of the joys of owning an older car is the dodgy electrics on the lights that makes them work or not, at random.

It's probably a loose or corroded connection somewhere. So look for things that can be pulled off, cleaned, and put back on again.

If weird things happen, such as the indicators coming on when you hit the brakes, then look for an earth fault. There will be a connection from the light cluster to the chassis somewhere, and if that is loose or corroded than you'll find all sort of odd things happening.

darkcloudi

Thanks Ectophile, you probably are right in regards to corrosion, car is hitting its 10th Birthday on 1st Sept. Its the second issue its had all these years since new, first was Gearbox at 145,000 miles. Might have to try some WD40 when I have the chance.

Appreciate the help.

colino

I think you will simply find the contacts, especially the ones on the bottom of the holder, need a good clean. Scrape with a small screwdriver if you have to. Make sure the blades are actually making good contact, bend them up if you have to, then use your WD40.

Bantex_2

darkcloudi wrote: »

Yes it seems to be coming on sporadically, I have been playing around with the wires (moving it around a little) and it occasionally comes on. Could not figure out what the cause is and was concerned as in 2 weeks I got an MOT booking :eek:

Does it only come on when you put your foot on the brake pedal?