Brake Lights Not Working

[stelte]

In troubleshooting why my cruise control is not working, I discovered that none of my brake lights are working either (not sure if the two are related). I checked the fuse under the rear seat that is called "Hazzard/Stop" lamps and its OK. Couldn't find any other fuses in the owners manual that seem to be related to brake lights.

Does anyone know anthing else I should check?

Dave in Chicago

[Custom88]

You have a bad brake switch. It will be located up in the dash, attached to the brake pedal. (not the pedal itself, but the metal bar the pedal is attached to.) The switch when pressed sends current to the brake lights and if it malfunctions it cannot tell the cruise control to turn off. If a fault is detected the cruise control is disabled. Get your codes scanned to be for sure.

[stelte]

Some time ago I had the car scanned for a different reason and got a code indicating a bad break switch. At the time I didn't have any symptoms, but changed the brake anyway since it was pretty cheap. The old switch was good, and the way the switch is constructed is pretty much foolproof. The code was still showing up even after I changed the switch. So I doubt the brake switch is bad.

I need to find a wiring diagram on how the brake lights are activated. I'm wondering if the brake switch goes to the computer which in turns activates some relay to turn on the brake lights. I'm hoping my computer isn't bad.

[BuccaneersFan]

Hey stelte,

Its a good idea to go into your profile and add a line into your signature that says what year your car is and also the mileage. It can help a lot when answering a question since certain model years are prone to specific problems and people with the same year might have had the exact same problem.

See at the bottom of my post.

[Custom88]

ok since we eliminated the brake switch it has to be wire or relay related like you mentioned. maybe a bad ground somewhere because the brake circuit is a negative current I believe not positive.

[stelte]

OK - I've updated my profile.

I'm guessing there is a relay somewhere that turns on the brake lights because all of the brake bulbs must pull a hefty amount of current that I doubt that they would design it to go through the switch, but I haven't been able to locate it.

I'm trying to find a wiring diagram for the car. I'm going to stop by the dealer next week and see if they will let me look at one.

[betonthis1]

good luck.

[eurora]

OK, there is the link for you,

www.hot.ee/eurora/temporary/exterior_light_circuit

its for'95, as we both have....

unfortunately i haven't had time to reorganize my scrappy website (also, don't know too much about it), so you can reach this file only via this direct link. You cant find it from main site jet.

you already eliminated switsch as aproblem, but did you adjusted it correctly? here is brake switch adjustment info for the case.

Depress brake pedal fully and hold. Press switch, with vacuum and electrical connectors connected, into mounting bracket until there is no more clicking sounds. Ensure switch is fully installed and all retaining tabs are seated. Pull brake pedal fully rearward until no clicks are heard from switch. Release brake pedal. Pull brake pedal fully rearward again and release brake pedal to ensure no clicks are heard. Note switch plunger where it contacts brake pedal arm. Plunger should protrude from switch so notch at end of plunger is just visible. If plunger (beyond notch) is visible, or if notch is not visible, repeat adjustment. Ensure brake lights do not stay on with brake pedal at rest (unapplied).

hope you find something helpful here...

[stelte]

Wow! This is just what the doctor ordered. Armed with this I should be able to fix the problem. Do you have any other electrical diagrams on your web site for the 95 Aurora?

There are two brake switches mounted on the brake lever. It would appear from your wiring diagram that the top one with the vacuum line coming in to it is also the switch that handles the current from the brake lights. It looks like my problem may be that this switch is out of adjustment, as I went in and jostled it around and everything has started working again! The brake lights work, my cruise control is working again, and the traction control is also working again.

I'm going to take the switch out and make sure that it is not intermittent and put it back in using the adjustment procedure that you have supplied, but I can figure out how to remove it. It is a snap in plastic switch, but I can't figure out how to get it out. Part of the problem is that it is hard to get under there and get a good view.

Has anyone ever taken a brake switch out?

[eurora]

I am glad i could help
as about diagrams, I have radio wirings here that I posted to previous acna forum version for someone, but basically you can name what diagram or procedure you (or anyone else) need and I will look if I can find it.