3 Common Causes of Brake Lights Not Turning Off
This can happen while you’re driving. The most annoying part is that you don’t know they’re on. Here are some reasons for this particular malfunction:
1) Faulty Brake Light Switch
The brake light switch is located near the brake pedal connection and may be faulty. It may appear to work properly when you press the pedal, but the electrical signal that causes the brake lights to light up won’t turn off.
This is a rare failure, as car manufacturers design this particular switch to be very reliable. However, it is possible for it to fail and leave your brake lights on all the time. Replacing the switch is relatively easy if you’re flexible enough; otherwise, go to a repair shop to have it replaced.
On some cars, the piston in the brake light switch contacts the plastic or rubber bumper on the brake pedal lever. This buffer can fail, fall off, or break. Without the bumper the switch piston will extend and the brake lights will come on.
If your brake lights won’t go out and you find small pieces of plastic (or rubber) in your footwell then this broken bumper may be the problem. Contact a mechanic for repair. This issue is common on several Honda, Hyundai and Mazda models.
2) Applying the brakes
This issue is very common. While driving, lightly press the brake pedal with your left foot. Yes, that prepares you to brake. Not a bad idea. But be aware that moving the pedal a fraction of an inch essentially turns on your brake lights.
If your car has an automatic transmission and you normally brake with your left foot, be absolutely sure not to put that foot on or touch the brake pedal. 3) CAN bus system failure
The CAN bus system can fail. This can be a hardware or software problem and can only be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified mechanic.
Why don’t my brake lights turn off (when the car is stopped)
The brake lights work even when the engine and ignition are off. Here’s the situation: I turn off the engine, get out of the car, turn around to the back and the brake lights come on. How is that possible? See failure modes 2 and 3 in the section above. These conditions that cause the light to come on while driving are also conditions that cause the light to stay on even when you turn everything off.
How to Check That Your Brake Lights Are Working
There are a few ways to check that your brake lights are working. While you might want to trust your clever dashboard to do the work for you, nothing beats seeing your brake lights in action with your own eyes. Here are some easy ways to do this:
1. Hire a Helper
Of course, the easiest way to test your brake lights is to have a friend, family member, neighbor, or passenger step on the brake pedal while you watch, or check the lights while doing your footwork.
2. Reflections in a Shop Window
If you’re not at home, find a shopping center that has a parking lot right in front of the store. You can use the store window as a mirror. If vehicular and pedestrian traffic is allowed, back your car into a parking space in front of a glass window. Next, look in your rearview mirror and apply the brakes. If everything is OK, all brake lights should be on. You can also check your rear turn signals and rear hazard lights.
Repeat with the engine and ignition off. Make a note of where the lights aren’t working so you can take corrective action later. If the ignition is off, the indicator will not work.
3. Garage Door
When you get home, park your car in the garage and close the garage door behind you. In a dark garage, you can look through your rearview mirror or side mirror to see if the garage door brake lights come on when you press the brake pedal.
This method can also be used in a covered parking lot outside your house. Back into your parking space and check your rearview mirror to see if your brake lights are on when you brake. This way you can also test for other lighting issues like: B. If your back lights won’t come on.
4. DIY Tool
If you’re at home and don’t have a helper or access to a garage, you can make a tool that will help you hold down the brake pedal. How to make it:
1. Open the driver’s door. With your left hand, press the brake pedal about 1 inch. Measure the distance from the pedal to the front of the driver’s seat. This should be about 46-56 cm, depending on where you sit.
2. Cut a piece of trim board (1″ x 2″) or an old broom handle to this length.
3. Press the pedal with the tool and press the back end of the tool against the driver’s seat. Your brake lights are now ready to go and check them out. Surprisingly, a simple snow brush is just the right length for this job.