If your brake lights stay on even if you shut off your car, there are several possible reasons. Here’s what could cause it and how to fix it.
Your car brakes are meant to keep you from getting into an accident and the lights warn others that your vehicle is slowing down. When anything in this system malfunctions, it could spell disaster.
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While it’s extremely dangerous to drive with brake lights that don’t come on, it’s just as scary having a set that is stuck on. We look at the reasons why your brake lights stay on and how to fix them. Let’s begin with the causes:
The most common cause your brake lights stay on is because of a faulty brake light switch or sensor. It can also be caused by a faulty brake pedal or a malfunction in the electrical system. If you recently replaced the rear light bulbs when it occurred, you may have installed the wrong light bulbs.
Most likely, you’re stuck brake light is caused by one of these problems. Let’s look at each defective brake light symptom in-depth.
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5 CAUSES WHY YOUR BRAKE LIGHTS STAY ON
- Faulty Brake Light Switch or Sensor
This is the most obvious reason your brake lights won’t go off. When the switch inside the brake system isn’t working right, your lights can’t turn off. The switches and sensors in a braking system are responsible for telling the lights when the pedal is up or down.If either of these is defective, the lights are receiving the wrong message. The brake pedal switch is located near your brake pedal and you can often adjust it.
- Defective Brake Pedal Spring
There is a spring located in the brake pedal that allows it to return to its original position once you have released it. When this spring gets old, it can become weak.
Because the pedal doesn’t return to its natural spot, the brake lights remain on. In addition, it can cause your brake pads to remain engaged, which leads to additional pad and rotor wear.
- Brake Pedal is Stuck
What’s even worse than having a bad spring in the pedal is having a defective pedal itself. If you can’t get the brake pedal to come back up from the floor, the lights are not going to go off.
The pedal must come back to its original position for the switch to close and the lights to cease working. Otherwise, it continues to look like you are braking because you are.
- Malfunctioning Electrical System
When there is a fault in the electrical system, it can affect numerous components, including the brake lights. These defects can cause the lights to stay on, keep them from illuminating or cause them to work sporadically.
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This might be the most complicated cause to troubleshoot and shouldn’t be looked at until the other possible sources have been ruled out.
- Wrong Light bulbs installed
This is not very common, but it can actually happen if you have recently replaced your tail or brake lights. There are two different light bulbs, with one circuit or two circuits.
If you install a light bulb with one circuit in a socket for two circuits, it can short the circuit, and it will cause the brake lights to come on. Check the socket if you can see two circuits or one, and then check the light bulb. Replace the bulb if it’s the wrong type.
- Talk to a Mechanic
When all else fails, you should take your car to a mechanic. You don’t want to take chances with the braking system, even if it is only an issue with the light.
Not only are these lights confusing to other drivers, but you could be putting excessive wear on your brake pads or rotors. Additionally, you don’t know what else is wrong that could potentially leave you without brakes if not repaired.
Don’t take chances with your safety and the security of others on the road.
- Defective Brake Pedal Spring
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Category: WHY
