1. Brake Pedal Switch: When you press the brake pedal, a switch is activated. This switch is usually located near the brake pedal itself. Its job is to complete an electrical circuit.
2. Wiring Harness: A dedicated wire runs from the brake pedal switch, through the vehicle's wiring harness, to the brake lights. This harness ensures the electrical signal reaches the lights.
3. Brake Light Bulbs: The bulbs in the tail lights are designed to illuminate when the circuit is complete. They convert the electrical energy into light. A blown bulb will obviously prevent the light from working.
4. Fuse: A fuse protects the circuit from overloads. If there's a short circuit, the fuse will blow, preventing damage to the wiring or other components.
5. Ground: A good ground connection is crucial. The electrical current needs a return path to complete the circuit. A poor ground can prevent the lights from working.
6. Tail Light Assemblies: These house the brake lights themselves. Issues with the assembly (damaged sockets, corrosion) can also cause problems.
If your brake lights aren't working, troubleshooting should start by checking the brake light bulbs, the fuse, and then the brake pedal switch. A multimeter can be helpful to test for continuity and voltage in the circuit.
