Brake Lights Only Work Intermittently?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
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From: Question Government
Brake Lights Only Work Intermittently?
My brake lights only light up intermittently while depressing the brake pedal. However, the rear turn signals always flash/operate. Would this indicate dirty contacts or old bulbs? Or is there a "relay unit" located behind brake pedal arm that could be the culprit???
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Its probably dirty contacts in the switch or just bad connections. Try cleaning the switch connections and the plug at the tail lights. If that doesnt work remove the brake light switch and wiggle the plunger to see if its a bad contact internally. If so you may be able to take it apart and clean it. If you make it worse they still make them...Good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
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From: Lubbock Texas
The second time it was the switch on the brake pedal - new switch and was good to go.
The third time it was a bad connection at the right rear bulb - simple fix.
Last time was a major pain. It turned out that a 12 pin connector (only 10 used) under the dash wasn't mating properly. I could only get one hand on it and was never able to squeeze it together. Ended up pulling the dash and found bent pins in the connector. Trying to straighten the pins simply broke them off. Ended up replacing the entire connector with some Weather Pack connectors I had on hand. Overkill but it worked fine and I was back in business.
Good luck,
DC
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 600
From: Question Government
Since my brake switch appeared original and very yellowed, I ordered a new one. I also ordered a complete bulb set for my '70, and will be replacing all four of the rear tail light bulbs too. I've always had good results using a light spray mist of silicone spray lubricant on oxidized/rusty looking sockets prior to inserting replacement bulbs.
Le Mans Master
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From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Or, believe it or not it could also be a worn / bad, turn signal switch ! Most miss this !!!! 
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2024
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Mine did the same thing.
Just an update, I did read a post about the brake lights running through the blinker switch assembly, I replaced the blinker switch in the column, not fun running the connection to the bottom of the steering column , however it did solve my problem. So just as a general FYI the brake lights do run through the blinker switch assembly. If you order a switch make sure it is the one for your car. They have with tilt, telescopic, and side marker lights. You really have to read the fine print to find out if the one you are ordering has this function, or they will not work. Hope this help
Just an update, I did read a post about the brake lights running through the blinker switch assembly, I replaced the blinker switch in the column, not fun running the connection to the bottom of the steering column , however it did solve my problem. So just as a general FYI the brake lights do run through the blinker switch assembly. If you order a switch make sure it is the one for your car. They have with tilt, telescopic, and side marker lights. You really have to read the fine print to find out if the one you are ordering has this function, or they will not work. Hope this help
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 1,898
From: LONG ISLAND
2025 C3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
AHHHHHH,............... the old bomb, under the seat, in the pen, in the luggage, in the airplane trick !
Would you believe ........................??
Would you believe ........................??
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