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not sure if this is in the right topic, but:

ok so im having problems with my brake lights. at first i think it was the bulb, so i went out and got a new one. all of them were working except for that one. when i was taking it out, my pliers accidentally touched the harness(metal part) and i thought i shorted out the whole brake light system because now everything didnt come on except for the third brake light inside the cabin.

so i checked all the fuses underneath the steering column and in the engine compartment, checked all rear bulbs. i noticed that all the rear lights will turn on when my headlights are on, but when i step on the brake, they will not light up. im not an expert by far on electrical issues, but could this be a relay of some sort? i know i didnt short it because they still work, so as the subject line says, im STUMPED. my inspection is in august too so i want to try and figure this out.

Randy

make sure you check all your grounds...remember in dc voltage everything goes back to ground...

but the lights work when the headlights are on. they just dont light up when i press the brake

You didn't find any blown fuses?

If they all don't work, makes me wonder if there is a fuse blown some where?

checked all fuses related to the brake/tail lights, none of them were blown. its weird cuz they dont work when i press the brake but are fine when headlights are on.

Did you check all the fuses under the hood?

check the brake controller..its a switch that the brake pedal is connected to...send power to your brake lights when depressed..sounds like a faulty brake controller...check it with a voltmeter you should see voltage when you depress the pedal

The tail light and brake lights are usually different circuits. That's why they work with the headlights, and not when you step on the brakes.

yea im gonna check the brake controller tomorrow when its light out. im just hoping its not the relay.

hell a relays easy..this may sound dumb but i have to ask the obvious first....are these dual filament bulbs and if so are the brake filaments broke? its late maybe i missed something i will check in the morning to see