Brake lights won't turn off, need help!

Car Maintenance & Repairs
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Problem Overview

I’ve been having an issue where my brake lights are stuck on, even when I’m not pressing the pedal. This is causing me to worry about draining the battery and could be a safety issue too. I’m hoping someone here can shed some light on this problem.

Possible Causes

From what I’ve gathered, there are a few potential reasons why this might be happening:

  • Malfunctioning Brake Light Switch: This switch is supposed to turn the lights on and off when you press the brake pedal. If it’s stuck or faulty, that could be the problem.
  • Stuck Brake Pedal: Sometimes, the brake pedal can get stuck in the down position, causing the lights to stay on.
  • Wiring Issues: There might also be a short in the wiring that keeps the circuit closed.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are some steps I plan to go through:

  1. Inspect the Brake Light Switch: I’ll check the brake light switch’s location to see if it’s damaged or stuck.
  2. Test the Brake Pedal: I’ll see if the pedal feels stuck or doesn’t return to its original position.
  3. Check the Wiring: If everything looks good, I might need to look at the wiring for any visible damage.

Seeking Advice

If anyone has dealt with this issue before or has any suggestions on how to fix it, please share! Any tips on tools I might need or DIY methods would be great too. Thanks in advance for the help!

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I had a similar issue where my brake lights stayed on. It turned out to be a faulty brake light switch. Have you checked yours yet?

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I haven’t checked yet. What does a faulty brake light switch look like? Is it easy to replace?

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A faulty switch usually gets stuck in the ‘on’ position. You can easily find it near the brake pedal. Replacing it is typically straightforward!

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5

Exactly, and if it’s not that, it could also be an electrical issue. Sometimes, a short circuit in the wiring can cause brake lights to stay lit.

6

I’ve seen cars with that problem due to a short circuit. You might want to check the wiring for any visible damage too.

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That’s good advice! What can lead to such a short circuit?

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Common causes for short circuits include frayed wires or moisture in connections. It might be worth inspecting those areas. Safety first!

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Don’t forget to check the fuses as well! Sometimes a blown fuse can create electrical oddities, including stuck lights.

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Wow, I didn’t realize a blown fuse could cause that! This is getting complicated.

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A complicated car can feel like a puzzle! But don’t worry, with a little patience you’ll solve it. At least it’s not your turn signals!

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I had the same issue! First, check the brake light switch located near the brake pedal. It might just be stuck. Good luck!

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Thanks for the tip! I’ll check that switch. Could the fuses also be the problem?

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Absolutely! If the switch is fine, inspect your fuses too. A blown fuse might also cause the lights to misbehave.

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15

Great info! What if those are okay? How can I check the battery?

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You can use a multimeter to test the battery voltage. It should read between 12.4 to 12.7 volts when the car is off. If it’s lower, it might be time for a new battery!

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I’m on it! Thanks for the advice. Is there any other quick test I could do?

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Try disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to reset the system. Sometimes, that can resolve minor electrical issues!

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I hadn’t thought of that! If it works, I’ll be a total car guru!

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Just don’t forget to wear gloves! You don’t want to turn into a human battery yourself! Haha!

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