Why the Brake Lights Stopped Working
- When one brake light stops working, the most common reason is that the bulb has burned out. Bulbs are inexpensive and easy to replace, though accessing them can be difficult on some vehicles. Some brake light housings must be removed from the outside, while others are accessed behind the trim inside the trunk of the car.
- If all of a vehicle's brake lights stop working at once, the most likely reason is a blown fuse. The owner's manual for the vehicle will direct the car owner to the location of the fuse box. The manual will typically have a diagram of the fuse box (a diagram may also be included on the fuse box cover), allowing the car owner to quickly locate and replace the fuse for the brake lights.
- Wiring may break or become loose, causing problems with the brake lights. A visual inspection of the brake wiring may show damaged areas that need repair. The brake lights may also fail if bulb sockets become too worn.
