Brake Lights not working

[Jinho]

Hi everyone, hazards work, turn signals work, but not the brake lights. Did some searching on the FAQ and thought it could be the brake light switch; we replaced the brake switch with a new one, but still no luck. Any suggestions? 

 

Thanks

[Mike Self]

Easy to diagnose, easy to fix either temporarily or permanently...read on:

 

Diagnose.  first, check relevant  fuse (always check the fuse first on a 2002!); if it's OK, turn on ignition, pull both wires from the brake light switch (atop the bracket that holds the brake booster), touch the wires together and have someone tell you if the brake lights work. If so the switch is the problem.  Then look to see if, when the pedal is depressed, the plunger moves to its full extension.  If not, adjust it with the two mounting nuts 'till it does.

 

Fix:  reconnect the wires, and then with a screwdriver or your fingers, depress the plunger and let it snap out two or three times, then see if the lights work.  If they're still not working, you can try squirting a little tuner cleaner up the switch, or just buy a new one.  They're not expensive and easy to install.

 

mike

[Healey3000]

5 hours ago, Jinho said:

Hi everyone, hazards work, turn signals work, but not the brake lights. Did some searching on the FAQ and thought it could be the brake light switch; we replaced the brake switch with a new one, but still no luck. Any suggestions? 

 

Thanks

Hi,

 

As Mike suggests, check the fuses first.  Since you have a new switch, it may just need adjustment.  Sorry if these are dumb suggestions but did you check the bulbs?  Take off the rear covers on the tail lights and with a voltmeter check whether you see battery voltage when the brake pedal is pressed.  If not, something's opened up in the harness.  Check the crimps at the battery switch; corrosion may have got the better of them.

 

Good luck!