Brake Lights Quit Working

[Dam23man]

So all 3 brake lights quit working. I changed one bulb just to check but of course that didn't work. I checked the fuse, but no good there either. Any ideas?

[steved0x]

If fuse(s) are good (unsure if they are all on the same fuse) check the Brake switch. There is a guide somewhere on 101projects.com

[steved0x]

If you have cruise control, a way to test would be set the cruise control and then tap the brakes, if cruis control switches off, brake switch is good.

[Starter986]

1. Check ALL fuses.

2. Are the (front) side marker lights working? Replace the bulbs.

I had the same problem... was the side marker lights.

Report back.

[Beelzy]

Sounds like a bad brake light switch. Under the dash behind the brake pedal is where you'll find it. Try fidgeting with it first it might have simply gotten stuck closed. The contact point of the switch is a small plastic button. Check that first.

[Brian in Tucson]

Mine was the brake switch. Really inexpensive to replace, but for me at least a real bit ch to replace.

[Jasper7821]

Originally Posted by Brian in Tucson

Mine was the brake switch. Really inexpensive to replace, but for me at least a real bit ch to replace.

I just bought a 01 and the brake lights will only flicker once in a while, most always nothing happens. The prior owner said maybe a dirty brake switch, any kind of P/N for the switch and where to look under the dash?

[rexcramer]

When I had intermittent rear light issues, I pulled both light bars out and adjusted the angle of the contacts. All of mine were dodgy. Once you pull one out, you should see what I mean. All good since.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by rexcramer

When I had intermittent rear light issues, I pulled both light bars out and adjusted the angle of the contacts. All of mine were dodgy. Once you pull one out, you should see what I mean. All good since.

Had that same challenge.

Intermittent likewise. Adjusted likewise. Remained dodgy. I got tired of the intermittency... and purchased from our sponsor a new bar.

Old one looked great... but I tired of trying to correct the anamoly (I didn't have the patience then now I have). Still have the old bar. For sale.

[GRS from Kzoo]

I'm having the same brake light problem with my 1998 Boxster 986, no brake lights at all, left right or center. All fuses check OK as do the front side marker lights. I bought a new Porsche brake switch from Pelican and replaced it and still nothing. I've also removed the (left side) taillight assembly and all of the bulbs on it are fine.

Is the taillight assembly what you are referring to as the "light bar"? What do you mean by adjusting the angle of the contacts? Right now I'm pretty stuck.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by GRS from Kzoo

I'm having the same brake light problem with my 1998 Boxster 986, no brake lights at all, left right or center. All fuses check OK as do the front side marker lights. I bought a new Porsche brake switch from Pelican and replaced it and still nothing. I've also removed the (left side) taillight assembly and all of the bulbs on it are fine.

Is the taillight assembly what you are referring to as the "light bar"? What do you mean by adjusting the angle of the contacts? Right now I'm pretty stuck.

Yes... in the trunk... you have the harness that plugs into the bar. Remove the bar. You'll see the "circuit"(s). Inspect and make sure the metal of each contact is, well, making the proper contact. You can have the accessories powered up (key on)... and start plugging and playing until you find the anomaly.

Also... check my post #4 above.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by GRS from Kzoo

I'm having the same brake light problem with my 1998 Boxster 986, no brake lights at all, left right or center. All fuses check OK as do the front side marker lights. I bought a new Porsche brake switch from Pelican and replaced it and still nothing. I've also removed the (left side) taillight assembly and all of the bulbs on it are fine.

Is the taillight assembly what you are referring to as the "light bar"? What do you mean by adjusting the angle of the contacts? Right now I'm pretty stuck.

Do you have a circuit test light????
You need to test and proof out your brake light circuit.
Other wise your just chasing your tail and replacing parts.

What method did you use to test your fuses????

You need to (properly) test the brake light circuit at the connection to the taillight assembly.
If you have power at the connector then the assembly or bulbs are the fault.
If you do not have power at that connector then the fault is somewhere between the connector and the power source.
So you trace (Test and proof out) the circuit back towards the power source tell you find the fault.

Replacing bulbs and switches and adjusting the angle of the contacts in the light assembly is chasing your tail if you don't have a complete circuit.

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by blue62

Do you have a circuit test light????
You need to test and proof out your brake light circuit.
Other wise your just chasing your tail and replacing parts.

What method did you use to test your fuses????

You need to (properly) test the brake light circuit at the connection to the taillight assembly.
If you have power at the connector then the assembly or bulbs are the fault.
If you do not have power at that connector then the fault is somewhere between the connector and the power source.
So you trace (Test and proof out) the circuit back towards the power source tell you find the fault.

Replacing bulbs and switches and adjusting the angle of the contacts in the light assembly is chasing your tail if you don't have a complete circuit.

That's what I meant.