Brake light components

CG6Lemon · Feb 18, 2011

I need some help guys. I thought I fixed my brake light problem but I guess I didn't. Some background info about my problem. One side of my brake light always been out if i try to brake but it comes on with my alarm. Now all of a sudden both of my brake lights are out and it doesn't even come on with my parking lights now like it used to. I would like to know what are the components for the brake system so I can do a full diagnosis. thx for your help guys.

Bulb
Bulb Socket
Fuse?
Brake sensor???

finch13 · Feb 18, 2011

Lemmie, the bulbs are dual filament. One filament is for the tail light (dim) and the other is for the brake light (bright). You probably just have one of the two filaments burned out. The alarm flashing the parking/tail lights. Bulbs are cheap, go from there.

EDIT: As far as components go, you have battery->fuse->stop light switch (on brake pedal)->bulb->ground, with wire in between everything obviously.

CG6Lemon · Feb 18, 2011

thx for your input Branndon. can you explain more of the stop light switch(on brake pedal)?

finch13 · Feb 18, 2011

When you press the brake pedal, the switch closes and completes the circuit. Very simple. I believe they are 4-wire plugs, 2 are used for the brake light circuit and the other 2 are used for the shift interlock solenoid to allow you to shift out of park.

If one of your brake lights work, but not the other, the switch is OK.

CG6Lemon · Feb 18, 2011

i see. k.

CG6Lemon · Feb 18, 2011

anyone know what's the fuse name its under for the brake lights? I just inspected both bulbs and something broke off for both of them. I think that's the issue but we'll see when i go Kragen later to replace them.