Diagnose and repair no brake lights (3rd brake light works)

[@jimthecarguy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqjCg6SOrbZ8aNE . Don't forget subscribe and hit the bell for notifications of any new video

[@genestrode9461]

You're the only one that explained how to find the problem great video

[@TheTruth7340]

What's the name of the harness??

[@edlee8483]

This is one of the best demo videos that I've ever seen on KZbin. Things were clear and the explanations about what is being done were complete with no wasted time talking about unnecessary things. Great video!!

[@StockDude]

Sure is!

[@caseysmith2445]

Just used this to fix my brake lights on a 2000 Chevy Lumina. Things to note: The steering wheel and the sensor under it cant be put in any differently. They all have special notches to prevent misalignment. The only really challenging thing was to get that lock ring off of the spring retainer. Otherwise with these instructions it was a fairly easy fix. Thanks For The Video!

[@Sound1Motion]

Very impressive, Awesome video. Very good mechanical, and camera work. It's channels like yours that make KZbin so great and resourceful.

[@michaelsparks350]

Jimmy the Car guy knows what he's talking about. Thankfully for me because I get lost with anything intermittent!

[@aebp420]

It's a relief and then a pain watching this. Now I know what i must do, damn. Great video, troubleshooting at its finest.

[@brkfst4dinner]

That's it.. I'm paying someone else to do it lol! Great video, Jim. Thank you for your expertise!

[@angelgray6089]

The best video by far thank you sir it's still helping people years later keep up the good work.

[@jimthecarguy]

Glad it helped

[@stevenmurata4392]

That is one hell of a maze for a simple problem. Great work, hope I never need to do it, lol.

[@jimthecarguy]

Steven Murata Yes you're right. Thanks for watching!

[@RichardLoomis-k7x]

Glad it’s you and not me…. I’ve got the same problem… Great video!!!👍👍

[@TonyTtheProducer]

My moms 2005 Altima’s fix. After trying all “THREE” fuse boxes, changing bulbs (smh, bulbs wasn’t blown) it was the brake light switch that was causing the break lights not to work. (Break light bulb is the same as the tail light bulb, if the tail light works then check your brake light switch. 30 second fix, no tools required to replace.

[@genestrode9461]

Great job best video I watched you're the only one that really showed me what the problem could be

[@jimthecarguy]

Glad it helped

[@davidg813]

Brake lights on my 2000 Tahoe stopped working but the roof light worked. The problem? The hazard switch was the issue. A $15 switch was all I needed. The old one would work if pressed to the left to make batter contact with the 3 copper spring loaded contact terminals so I figure the spring for the stop light circuit was bad. My 4 ways worked,, turn signals worked but not the stop light. Problem solved. Pull out the hazard switch using a pick on the front left corner to release the tab that holds it in. pull it up and plug in a new switch. A simple fix!

[@matttrotta57]

I wish you did this video last year when I had the same problem on a 97 Cutlass. Drove me crazy. I had to go out and buy the depressor tools too!

[@1L0VE69]

I just found out I have the same problem my tail lights won’t turn on. I thought it was a easy fix, but after seeing this video, naaaaa Forget it, I’m selling the car.

[@rolandogarcia3917]

yes me too

[@serenavega4676]

Yeah wish i never bought this car!!😫😫

[@faithwalkz]

Me too

[@davidibarra8615]

Excellent. You made it look so easy. With me... I would of taken 3 hours just to try and take off a lock clip and end up breaking it off anyway. The air bag would of gone off in my face cuz I would of forgot to disconnect it and so on..

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching. It looks easy but it can be a real pain in the rear end

[@1234aejux]

in 2013 I had a 97 Lumina with this issue. Mine worked when I pulled the Turn Signal lever back. I knew it would be too complicated and expensive to get it repaired so I just rode it out with my janky lumina lol. I miss it.

[@clipperbet]

Jim, THANK YOU. I purchased a 1998 Lumina for my granddaughter, 2 months ago the brake lights failed. I followed your directions and purchased the part at Auto Zone for $53.00, they in turn loaned me the puller and compression tool for FREE. followed your instructions and in 2 hrs she was back on the road. Great job explaining! Now all I have to do is put a motor mount in. (You got a video for that?)

[@eside96]

What’s the name of the part?

[@ManicMechanic007]

Nice find on the switch, too bad it was a tricky R&R. Thanks for taking the time to detail the job.

[@jimthecarguy]

Your right they can be very tricky .I can do these with my eyes closed because years ago I specialized in theft recovery repair for most of the body shops and repair shops in the area.

[@cgayle92cg]

This is EXACTLY what's happening on my Lumina. Thank you for helping to confirm my suspicions!

[@rodgerscott1943]

Great video!! description of the problem and the steps you took to fix it was very helpful keep up the good work!!!

[@jimthecarguy]

I'm happy to help. Thanks for watching. Don't forget to hit the bell for notifications when a new video is posted.

[@chrisroth7390]

Thank you so much for posting this video. It really helped me out.

[@wyattoneable]

I love that old cabinet behind you in the beginning. You gave us a very detailed look into the process of replacing the faulty part Jim. Not a terrible job, at least you got to sit down on the job. The customer should be happy.

[@jimthecarguy]

Hahaha if I sit down too long I will fall asleep.That cabinet is almost as old as me.Lol

[@ronyago6890]

Thanks Jim! This was a great detailed video! I have a 06 Silverado with the same problem and I'm hoping that is my problem. Thanks for sharing!

[@killaweed6770]

@TheeHanzoMain - any info? I also have a 03 silverado with same problem

[@Starman998]

@@killaweed6770 Seems to be a common issue with GM cars in this era. I am having the same issue now with me 2001 Grand Prix.

[@killaweed6770]

@@Starman998 mine just fixed by itself i kept disconnecting it from where it connects

[@StockDude]

Great video Jim! I'm pretty sure this is what's wrong with my 01 GMC Sierra. I have no tail brakes with 3rd light working with headlights OFF, but everything works with headlights ON.

[@sandracox4341]

Thanks for the video. I'm having the same problem with my vehicle.

[@dirtysalmonchaser]

great detective work on the wiring, nicely done!

[@jimthecarguy]

Thank you for watching

[@eldoradony]

I remember doing that same job numerous times. Today's cars are so much easier with the modular multi function switches. The lock plate depressor is a must-have tool.

[@macariobueno7071]

I have a 1996 Chevy Lumina only center brake light works. It only has one bulb on left and right side to operate the parking,brake,signal and hazard. Why would they have one bulb to do all that?

[@wallyg.2409]

Thanks for such an in depth video Jim.

[@jamesbaker4692]

All three of my break lights are out on a 2012 Kia Optima and the bub's are good. Tried to remove the switch but there is no room to remove it. Need a good step by step video on how to remove and replace with a new one.

[@nicholasvanderwolf1803]

Jim Your a gentelman Thankyou patience a virtue you show that ! May good things come to good people like you ! PS the world is forever changing all this will soon all be obsolete ! technology is at hyper speed Very helpfull Good person is my ......Comment !

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching.

[@AlexB-cn2lo]

I feel like the amount of shop time is equivalent to the car's current value haha but interesting to watch thanks for the video it may help me try it one day

[@ozzstars_cars]

That's a lot of work to replace a switch! Nice fix Jim, hope all is well. -Glen

[@aspieotaku3580]

Glad i have a crown vic, its just behind the pedal.

[@lekonarodrick6821]

I like the way u explain things

[@dc5723]

Thank you for the information Jim. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@carlawilliams5132]

Thank you for your video-I am not a mechanic of any sort but i did check my bulbs and fuses and think i have a wiring problem-need a water pump as it is and I am now wondering if its even worth to keep getting this car fixed! it had a new tranny in 5 years ago and i dont drive a whole lot also an alternater heater core and thermostat! Im just discouraged! But still thank u! My lights also on dash for gears shift work intermittent-seems chevys are kinda notorious for wiring issues!

[@billanderson6897]

Good vid. Might call out the size of socket, wrench, and torx just for a bit more help.

[@justinballoons3235]

Jim! You the man!

[@justindew9404]

Had this problem, I just took the third lights bulb rerouted it to each tail light and drill a hole with keyhole bit.

[@chuckjones9316]

Hey justin which 2 wires go to brake light coming up from bulb itself. Don’t have d.c.meter and can’t I go to just one side let’s say driver side since they are tied together

[@bigsparky8888]

YUP...MICKEY MOOSE...IT WORKS...(Moose?? Bigger than mouse...it works...I am about ready to jump mine like that!!! 91 Sentra...great car...just problems with right rear brake has me spinning...grrrr...ha!!!

[@davidtonita1]

9​@@chuckjones9316

[@Luigi-yu5wv]

Very informative. Thank you!

[@steveg5576]

You made it look too easy....excellent work through... Lucky to get 1 guy who "wants" elec out of 20 techs in a shop ? (I was a car hop at a Chev dealer in high school for a couple years. Was looking at GM school) Still tinkering and then some...

[@robertlarsen4570]

I have a 99 s10 only one light was out I touch the turn signal it came on thank you

[@alfaamuli8814]

Thank Jim Done an Excellent..and well detailed...thanks you!

[@hawaiianf1504]

Excellent Video Jim!

[@jimthecarguy]

Hawaiian F150 Appreciate the comment, thanks for watching!

[@garryburgess9074]

Just had no rear brake lights/ no turn signals,,,, the wiring harness from the frame to the trunk was the problem, notorious for the problem... Fixed in an hour

[@trisharush6070]

Could you explain a little better for me? I’m having same issue…

[@garryburgess9074]

@@trisharush6070 look on driver's side of the car,, and the wiring harness goes under the floor moulding.. follow it up along the rear seat back and you will see where the harness goes through the metal hole and continues into the trunk.. The harness usually shorts out at the point where it goes through the metal hole

[@Luna-dt1nt]

Nice vid i have the same problem on my 97 chevy montecarlo

[@trumpsarmy2499]

I have a 92 buick riviera 3.8 my left brake light works sometimes than it stops than it works again so on so on could that be the break light switch or you have any direction i could start at i parked my mustang and need this for work monday lol thanks in advance

[@YH7R]

Good professional content thanks

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching!

[@deetorrez797]

Walking the wheel out is the lazy man's way! Walking the wheel out is what puts stress enough to break the tilt wheel components NEVER walk the wheel out on a tilt wheel set up🤜🏼🤛🏽💯❣

[@TomSommer]

That is one hell of a job Jim. Excellent video. You are the man!

[@jimthecarguy]

Back in the day I use to do theft recover steering column repair so I could do this with my eyes closed .Lol

[@TomSommer]

I was lost in the first 10 minutes...LOL

[@wyattoneable]

Hi and welcome to another video watcher named Wyatt. :) Now back to the video.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I can only assume the designers of this put ships in bottles in their spare time.

[@ericadrianryan8544]

U in hurry to actually live ur life?

[@johnr423]

Good video Jim !

[@jimthecarguy]

Thank you for watching

[@arcticablue]

These cars are a nightmare with the way they wired them. Mine is possessed because sometimes things work and sometimes they don't. The radio will not stay on and I cannot control the lights manually. Ugh! Thank you for the video!

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for sharing

[@toroon]

Really good video Jim. Would love to see you check the old connector's continuity. Ya know the old wiggle and VM gag.

[@jimthecarguy]

toroon01 001 thank you for stopping by the shop

[@luciohuet8513]

I wonder how much money does it cost that kind of job.

[@jgeorges3061]

good info and video.thanks for sharing

[@jimthecarguy]

I'm happy to help.Thank you for watching

[@toddhagist8395]

Thanks help me out a lot. Now the 3 b light not working

[@stanleyroberts6669]

Questions How do you know which connector is for the AirBag ??

[@rebeccaanderson5037]

So this switch does the brake lights and turn signals in back right? Third light works. Tail lights work just No brake lights or signals

[@dart70ca]

rebecca anderson When you put your signal on with the brake pedal depressed, the circuit thru the switch allows the brake light on that blinking side to either go out or be blinked. If the brake light stayed on it would outshine the signal light to some extent, depending on your make and model of car. This switch is a chronic problem with GM vehicles it seems.

[@tommavrakos]

Great video

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for the visit

[@samjacobs4769]

so heres a question. My 2001 maxima only has the 3rd brake light working. I replaced the driver tail light and it didnt work after that. I tried switching bulbs and testing using the old tail light wiring snd nothing. The light works for headlights but not brake lights

[@zeez9053]

F me what ones gotta do nowadays to get the poxy brake light to work too complex

[@la8347]

have 1999 lumina same problem. have brake ligth on dash to

[@thatmextc]

Mine is doing the same and also I can't use my turn signal either where can I order the replacement multifunction switch and handle if need be

[@chuckjones9316]

If anyone knows can I take 2 wires from center light to one side or other to send power to the other 2 lights

[@nlz_mamalabra9258]

You seem like one of the rare honest mechanics and very nice. You did a very good detailed video, good to watch... I have a couple questions about my car, I'm a young mother of 3 and know NOTHING about cars, but you look like a very busy man, so I understand if you can't help me. But if you decide you can then maybe you can reply with your E-mail or some way I can contact you? Hope you have a good day :)

[@jimthecarguy]

What kind of problem are you having. My e mail is [e-mail]

[@gilbertomartinez4355]

Hey I want to know where do you order the part for the Jaguar brake stop turn signal switch I have the same problem

[@gilbertomartinez4355]

My friend has a 96 Jaguar xj6 and he has the same problem I want to know where do you order the park from

[@lsr444]

2013 hyundai sta fe. Exactly the same problem. Only the third light goes off when i step on the brakes but when I lock the car, the brake lighs flashes.

[@nickaltvater5592]

My third doesn't work, but volt meter shows 12.5 volts. Jumper wires to a spare 3156 wont light it up. I'll have zero volts at the third when connected, but if I unplug it, my volt meter jumps to 12.5. I've never had a 12 volt system behave this way

[@dotdot_8003]

Hmm my problem is that the tail lights work but once i step on the brake it doesn’t work. The bulbs get very hot and blow out within 2 months. I’m over it.

[@brendatravinia586]

Jim can you get me that car part? The turn signal multi function switch for my 1997 Chevy Lumina.My car has the same problem no brake lights and my signal doesn’t hold. It’s discontinued

[@adamsosa8283]

Is it the same on an 05 Chevy Cavalier? My break lights and blinkers are not functioning.

[@KOSXocticz]

I have a 2011 Cadillac SRX. I have changed out my brake switch several times, but the brake lights come on when leaving the vehicle. I had it fixed again; but now, the brake lights still come on when the alarm is set. Have you ran across an issue just like this or could it be the same since I replaced the clockspring?

[@TheDesmondscott15]

I'm just going to wire the 3rd light into my brake lights. Less headache.

[@jimthecarguy]

Thank you for watching . I'm happy to help. Don't forget to subscribe.

[@DirtyLilWoodPusher]

did you end up doing this?

[@TheSkysteve]

i have same problem on a 94 Chevy 1500 need a wiring diagram

[@keepoffmyherb420]

I have a 99 buick century. My tail lights and blinkers work everything and glow. But when I break the break lights dont show up. What could be the problem.

[@im2crafty]

As the "disgrungled mechanic" says: if you can get someone else to do the job, your probably better off!

[@jimthecarguy]

Hahaha .Thank you for watching

[@certifiedgaming4433]

Wait a second, I hope I don't have to do all that to get my brake lights to work, I rather it be the lights that are not working since I already check the fuse and the fuse is not the problem.

[@stonerlungs4914]

I replaced my brake light bulb and my fuse and the far right brake light on my 04 park ave is still out

[@onekjones05]

I'm having this problem with my 2007 chevy uplander. My brake lights or blinkers don't come on, my tailgate brake light work, my hazard lights work inside the car but not on the outside. We changed the fuse and it still isn't working.

[@KingLouis420th]

Im working on a 1996 crown Vic police interceptor. Problem I’m having is that the brake lights (and hazards I might add) are not turning on when engaged. The third light will come on, but not the other 2. Hazards will not turn on in rear either but they do come on in the front. Blinkers work fine. I’ve tried messing with the hazard switch, replaced the brake switch at the pedal, and checked bulbs/fuses. Something to note (unsure if relevant) is that the hazard “clicking” when engaged is faster than the blinker (unsure if that is normal) but it’s almost as fast as when it’s telling you the bulbs are bad. I have not tested the lighting control module because the blinkers are fine. Any help?

[@jimthecarguy]

C L18 this car has two flashers one for the turn signs and one for the four way did you check both?

[@KingLouis420th]

jimthecarguy thank you for the reply, in fact, I found out that this is only a problem while the vehicle is in park. In drive, everything works great, would you think it’s most likely a police harness issue they may have cut a wire? Only an issue while engaged in park.

[@hawaiianf1504]

Jim, I think us old guys need to do something so manufacturers make bigger wire clips. Plus our eyes aren't as good as they used to be and besides we got fat fingers and those dang mini-clips thing-a-majigs only make for a pro NFL tossed wrench or two.

[@jimthecarguy]

Your right about the clips and if you happen to drop it it is gone forever.Hahaha

[@davidg813]

The brake lights on my 2000 Tahoe stopped working,,the roof brake light worked,,turns and 4 ways worked. ??? After checking the fuses in the fuse panel.. all good,, no tow package so no fuse or relay under the hood. I cleaned the ground bolt and washer on the left rear frame where the light harness was grounded using a wire brush.. still no brake lights. SO... to make this short what was the problem?? A loose 4 way switch. I found out by holding that switch to the left with the 4 ways off and depressing the brake peddle,, the brake lights worked!! So the switch has apparently somehow loosened up. I took a small piece of cardboard and folded it to a size I could wedge into that hole to snug up that 4 way switch for a temporary fix until I have time to pull off the steering column collar to check that switch to see if I can fix it or have to replace it. Meanwhile I now have my brake lights back. Have a nice day officer!

[@PickyOne]

This problem won't happen in a car that uses a separate bulbs for turning signals, whether the rear turning signals are yellow or red. Most domestic brands (GM, Ford, Chrysler.. etc) still use the old American invented method of combining the rear brake lights with the rear turning blinkers, which does not comply with some European traffic codes. It was so confusing to drive behind a motorist who apply brakes and signals in the same time, and it's worse when he/she applies the hazard lights (both side blinkers) you won't be able to tell when they press the brakes. That's why they came up with the"Third-Eye" solution back in the eighties. They should've used the European code (red for brakes/yellow for signals) instead of that not-so-brilliant 3rd eye idea.

[@jimthecarguy]

Thank you for watching

[@jimcarwile1544]

Had same problem f 350 had to replace turn signal assembly

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching.

[@ramsanchez6318]

What if all brake lights turn but when I hit the brakes, only the third light turns on, meaning the brake switch works.

[@landonwalter4806]

Bud cut the time in half...

[@landondavid5773]

Rude. How about you just skip forward! You must be a real cool guy.

[@Fiat500dokter]

Dear Jim,have a problem with my horn .Isnt working .Do you know where the hornrelay is located?Maybe its the relay or has it also a fuse?The other problem is my wiper,when I want to switch it on nothing works anymore ,before it did .Also maybe a fuse?and do have a idea where I have to look?Thanks Robert

[@Fiat500dokter]

its for a chevy cheyenne 20 year 1979

[@jimthecarguy]

Fiat500dokter what year and model car? Also did you check the horn for power and ground? E mail me at [e-mail]

[@joejordan5879]

Jim, thank you for making this video. Would you suggest using an OEM turn signal switch or a NAPA aftermarket replacement switch? I just got pulled over by a police officer because I have the same problem with my turn signal switch on my 97 Lumina.

[@jimthecarguy]

You can use the Napa parts they are less expensive and work . Thanks for watching.

[@joejordan5879]

@@jimthecarguy Thanks Jim.

[@armandolevario4758]

Hi Jim hope your having a blessed day I have a 2012 Dodge Avenger when turning on my lights they all illuminate in the front and back when i apply the brake my driver brake light doesn’t turn on only the 3rd light and passenger light. Then when I turn on my passenger turn signal it blinks very fast on the odometer and front passenger headlight but in the back light , nothing. I checked the bulbs and they are not burnt. So basically I have a driver brake light that doesn’t work and a passenger light that doesn’t blink What could be my issue ?

[@sandrajones3994]

Mesmerizing.

[@jimthecarguy]

I'm happy to help. Thanks for watching.

[@gordon83hilton71]

Help me with mine Chevy impala 2001 brakes not working

[@carykatzenberger4224]

Here's a question. How long did this repair take you. I have the same problem with my lumina

[@jimthecarguy]

Approximately 2 HR.

[@charliesmith9528]

I have a 95 silverado that the third brake light cargolight will not work,,no power at plug,,,which fuse powers them

[@delwilkins3124]

My turning signal (I like to call it the guts) parts, inside the steering wheel started breaking one day and the turning signal would come in when ever I turned the ateering wheel.....then then TSA.....turning signal arm.....become jammed....so I went with out turning signals now for about three months. Now my brake lights are not coming on.....but the middle one is......I know it has to do with this exact diagnosis (1997 Chevy Lumina).....I am goung to show this to my mechanic.....maybe he will charge me less..😉.....thanks.♠

[@buildingjmpr67]

So if I have 1(left) tail light not working and the right one and center(top of back window) are working am I still legal

[@jimthecarguy]

No you need all your brake lights working. Thank you for watching . Don't forget to subscribe.

[@chuckjones9316]

@@jimthecarguy hey Jim can I rewire in other words, can I take 2 wires from the 3 rd light in center of window and go directly to the first light on the back so that when that light comes on it will send power to the other 2 lights and if so which 2 wires do I tie into on the 3rd light and which 2 on which side driver or passenger.

[@terminatorfire1736]

What switch was it? I know the turn signal was a problem but you changed the harness in the column also?

[@wadegregory6811]

No brake lights at all everything else works

[@johnbeer5242]

Roy's pizza NY ninja turtles style talk ✌😁

[@jimthecarguy]

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe.