rear brake light on- but the brake isn't on?

Question

and while i'm asking questions about my car already (1996 mercury villager) My rear drivers side brake light was out- so i went to the auto parts store and purchased a new one (i used their book to get the right number)- but now whenever the lights are on- the drivers side in the back ALWAYS looks like the brake light is on- what is causing this?
p.s. My 'break' light has been turning on in the dash lately- would this have any effect or anything on it? Did i get the wrong bulb? Did i not install it correctly? I've never had issues changing the bulbs before... thanks in advance for the help.

Answer 1

Sounds like you put the wrong bulb in there. Vehicles use low wattage for marker lights and a higher wattage for brakelights. Some companies use different bulbs some use dual filament bulds. It sounds like it is the wrong bulb or installed wrong if it has 2 contacts on the bottom(hard to do).

The warning light on your dash would have nothing to do with this. That light should be telling you that either your brake pads are almost worn out and need to be replaced or you are low on brake fluid (commonly caused by worn out brakes) or both.

Take it to a NAPA or Autozone type car parts store... I am sure they will check the bulb and its placement for you for free. If it is the correct bulb inserted correctly then you need a good mechanic because you have a wiring problem. But I think it is just the bulb.

Answer 2

You may have put the bulb in wrong. When the brake light comes on it sometimes indicates a defective bulb or a bulb installed incorrectly.

Answer 3

Problem one. Sounds like your brake light switch is out. It is the switch that activates the lights when you press the brake, normally located inside the car on the upper part of the brake lever. Had the same problem before, different type of car.

Answer 4

Take it in to a repair shop