Rear brake light not working.

miggiwoo

I have a Chevrolet Matiz , 2009 and have just noticed that the rear brake light on the passenger side isn't working.
I noticed it last night when I had my main lights on and reversed into a space in front of a shop window.
When I pressed my brake the main light on the passenger side went off and the brake light didn't come on.


Is it likely to be an electrical fault ?


Thanks

pappa_golf

and what happened when you changed the bulb , or is it not due for its annual service/mot yet


I have a sneaky feeling its not a exhaust leak or a broken mirror fault

*j*

It's likely to be a new bulb that's required.

Failing that, likely to be an earthing issue.

Rain_Shadow

miggiwoo wrote: »

I have a Chevrolet Matiz , 2009 and have just noticed that the rear brake light on the passenger side isn't working.
I noticed it last night when I had my main lights on and reversed into a space in front of a shop window.
When I pressed my brake the main light on the passenger side went off and the brake light didn't come on.


Is it likely to be an electrical fault ?


Thanks

It's very likely to be a failed bulb. A replacement will be cheap from a motor accessory shop. Your vehicle handbook will give you instructions on how to change it. It may well be obvious from just looking at the rear of the light in the boot of the car.

Ebe_Scrooge

Really ???


A blown bulb is by far the most likely explanation, cheap and easy to fix yourself - even if you end up buying the bulb from Halfords ( who are not renowned for their cheap prices ) it's unlikely to be more than a couple of quid.

*j*

Here you are:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIre0nUWYSg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXkMy0nnFxU

Rubidium

miggiwoo wrote: »

I have a Chevrolet Matiz , 2009 and have just noticed that the rear brake light on the passenger side isn't working.
I noticed it last night when I had my main lights on and reversed into a space in front of a shop window.
When I pressed my brake the main light on the passenger side went off and the brake light didn't come on.


Is it likely to be an electrical fault ?


Thanks

Rain_Shadow wrote: »

It's very likely to be a failed bulb.....................

Please explain how a failed bulb could possibly cause the symptoms described i.e. the rear light goes off and the brake light does not illuminate when the brake is applied.

This is an earth fault - the OP was correct assuming that it is an electrical fault..

Rain_Shadow

Rubidium wrote: »

Please explain how a failed bulb could possibly cause the symptoms described i.e. the rear light goes off and the brake light does not illuminate when the brake is applied.

This is an earth fault - the OP was correct assuming that it is an electrical fault..

I can't. You are correct. I misread the OP.

I'm sorry. I really should try harder.

pappa_golf

Rubidium wrote: »

Please explain how a failed bulb could possibly cause the symptoms described i.e. the rear light goes off and the brake light does not illuminate when the brake is applied.

This is an earth fault - the OP was correct assuming that it is an electrical fault..

because the filament has burnt out and is resting on the other filament

miggiwoo

Was going to change the bulb earlier. I have looked again and all of the lights ( and bulbs) are working until I press the brake, with the passenger side brake light going out so it must be an issue with the earthing.
Had booked it for its service and MOT in early December but looks like I'll be calling the garage before then....
Thanks for all of your replies

pappa_golf

yes , bulb does not work , can YOU not change it?


why are you believing this earthing thing? , change the bulb!