Brake Lights Issue

NathanMorgan

the brake lights on my 04 Transit Connect have stopped working.

Bought two new bulbs and fuses are all good.

I have located and tested the brake light switch and am receiving 12v into the switch but unsure how to check if switch is broken or not.

Any suggestions?

jk0

Do you get 12 volts on the other lead of the switch when you press it?

NathanMorgan

I only tested on the incoming wires to get 12v.

I can’t see where I can put the test probes to test when switch is applied to get a reading.

pappa_golf

clue: how many terminals has the switch got , and YES you will need to press the brake pedal to operate it and turn it on

NathanMorgan

just tried bridging a cable between two terminals and still nothing.

ohreally

Remove the wires on the switch and check for continuity across the terminals with the switch made.

NathanMorgan

there’s also no continuity between the switch terminals.

ohreally

NathanMorgan wrote: »

there’s also no continuity between the switch terminals.

Are you using the correct range?

Does removing the wires from the switch and joining them bring the lamp on?

Take an ohmic reading of the lamp, new doesn't necessarily mean good.

NathanMorgan

yes im using the correct range on the multimeter and when I joined the cables the brake lights still didn’t illuminate.

ohreally

From the supply to the switch, meter connected to the tail and ground, are you getting an expected reading?

You do have ign on?

knightstyle

Are you sure it is the switch?
Most often when rear lights are not working it is the earth wire corroded and broken.
Switch ignition on, use a bit of wood to press the brake pedal, test for voltage at the connector block which plugs into the light cluster, if nothing there go to switch, test input then output of switch.
If the switch is faulty it needs replacing, they are not repairable but sometimes a spray with contact cleaner will get it working for a while.