i have a 2001 chevy astro van the problem is my brake lights wont work unless the van is warmed up please help

Question

my brake lights will not work untill the van has warmed up for aleast a half hour the turn signels and the top light bar works just not the brake lights i have replaced the brake switch twice but still no luck we didnt have a problem untill it got cold out

Answer 1

Have a auto technician check this out, being he will need to do circuit testing on the stop lamp wiring, but I would pay special attention to the multi-function switch inside your steering column. The fact that the 3rd stop lamp works means the stop lamp switch and wiring is operating ok, since the feed for the stop lamps both run through the multi-function switch. Suggestion- in the morning when they are not working, have someone watch while you stop on the brake pedal, then wiggle the 4 way hazzard button on your steering column, if a bad connection, they sometimes will flash on and off indicting you need a new function switch. Good luck

Answer 2

Condensation and corrosion are probably at fault. You should have an SAE certified mechanic look it over. If you can not afford that try this;
Spray WD-40 on the wires that you can see that lead to the brake lights. Pull out the bulbs and spray the sockets also. Look for corrosion or GREEN stuff in there. The van has several BODY GROUNDS that can loose connection. Start at the battery. Are the cables clean and tight? Look for small black wires coming from negative terminal and then held to a fender or radiator support with self tapping screws. Clean the connections!
There may be poor connections in the wiring harness near the brake lights. You may have to lift the carpet to check these out.

Answer 3

While cold when you first start the van test some sockets for "opens" with an automotive test light. follow a line forward till you find the feed junction coupling. I'm betting you'll find corrosion. Spray with CRC-56 and dob the terminals with some silicone ignition grease and snap it together. You may want to do the same thing to your fuses for the lighting system.

Answer 4

Your brake lights need a better ground at the tail lights.Pull the lenses and check the grounds for good clean and tight connection.