My brake lights go on and off, working when they feel like it. The turn signals and lights still work. Help!?

Question

96 Monte Carlo

Answer 1

I see a ton of these on a daily basis. If it doesn't have a trailer connector, it has always been the turn signal switch. Always. All the brake, tail, turn signal lights go through the turn signal switch.

Answer 2

I read the other answers and I don't think they are leading you in the right direction, although some are close. The first thing to check is if the high mount brake light works while the other two don't. If the high mount and the other two don't work, I would say you have a problem with the brake switch on the brake pedal or the wiring/fuse related to that. What I normally saw was the high mount works but the other two don't work. This was most often a poor connection inside the turn signal switch. To check you have to gain access at the connections at the base of the column. The brake switch has an input here so check that and if there is no output from the switch, the problem is inside and you will need a new signal switch.

Answer 3

Alright , first of all even though the t/s lights and h/l lights still come on , they are all controlled by a body control module. In my experience (30 years) The first thought would be the t/s( turn signal) switch. The brake lights path goes from brake light switch( behind the brake pedal) to the turn signal switch, to the bcm(body control module) to the lights. Check to see that all the brake lights come on when they are working( all bulbs including third light). You will need to have a test light to go from part to part checking for power.. If you don't have the tools or the wiring diagram ( wire colors and locations),you might have to take it to a good mechanic. But if I were to blindly take a shot, the t/s switch is the one that would be most likely to be intermittent. Good luck.

Answer 4

Your brake lights are a separate circuit from the turn signals. The brake lights are activate by apply a voltage at a switch at the brake pedal. Possible cause for your problem . !. loose cannon plug at brake switch. 2. misadjusted switch 3. bad switch . 4. bad ground at the lights.5 . bad power feed at switch. 6. corrosion at the light socket cause bad connection .note your high mount brake light is the circuit that goes to your bcm that controls the abs and cruise control. The tail light brake lights are a seperate circuit that does not go to the bcm . they are both controlled by the brake switch

Answer 5

If they only work sometimes, it is more likely that the brake switch (located at the top of the brake foot pedal) is loose or faulty. Hands and knees job with head under dash to see it. It may just need adjusting and tightening. Heres hoping...

Answer 6

the problem is most likely the turn signal switch in the steering column.wiggle the t/s lever back and forth when the lamps are not operating and you wil probably see them start working again.i have seen many of these in our chevrolet shop.there is no body control module on this car as one other guy stated.the master mechanic was correct when he said its always the t/s switch.its pretty easy to put in if youre handy but i suggest a professional.this vehicle needs special tools to remove the air bag and lock plate.labor at a shop is around 1.0 to 1.5 depending who does it .the switch is around 95.00 without steering wheel controls.140.00with.

Answer 7

check your fuse box. maybe change the fuse for your break lights. i had that happen to me once before. if it isn't that, then it's electrical. take it to a garage or have someone check the electrical system. good luck.

Answer 8

Unplug your radio and see if it helps. The radio and the turning signle can sometimes bleed over, and make your car act funny.

Answer 9

pop the trunk, and look to see if there are any spliced wires or other rigged contraptions. if not, then i suggest replacing wires.