Brake lights dont work?

Tiny
JAXONSMOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 PONTIAC TORRENT
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 52,000 MILES
My third tail brake light works, the turn signals and taillights work but by brake lights do not work. What up?
Sunday, September 13th, 2009 AT 6:02 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hello,

There is a stop lamp relay that goes out on these cars but to be sure lets run this test.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Here are the brake light wiring diagrams so you can see how the power is routed when you hit the brakes.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

See where you lose power. Here are the fuse panel and relay locations for your car save this page in your favorites for future reference.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

Cheers
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Sunday, September 13th, 2009 AT 9:22 AM
Tiny
JAXONSMOMMA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I checked the fuses and nothing. The third break light works but the two tail light brake lights do not work when I push in the brakes. The work with everything else tho. What is causing this?
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+18
Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 AT 12:28 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If your saying there is no voltage at the stop lamp fuse, then check the circuits at the stop lamp relay.
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Tuesday, September 15th, 2009 AT 3:50 PM
Tiny
GHENGIS1210
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I am having the exact same problem with a 2006 torrent. The fuses are okay so I replaced the relay and its all fixed!. Totally helped
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Friday, March 19th, 2010 AT 9:31 AM
Tiny
JEWEL942
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
What number on the fuse block is the brake light relay? I see #27 is the fuse. Thanks.
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 7:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
It looks like 58 and 59 are the stop relays for the trailer this must be for the tow package. See if the both relays click when you press the brake pedal.
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
JEWEL942
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I'll check those but (1) I don't think this has tow package, and (2) both lights go out at the same time, while these relays each cover only one side of the car.

Another thread I saw mentioned the multi-function switch is sometimes at fault, the wiring is tied into this switch as the brake light circuit is cut on the side of a turn signal. Given that I occasionally lose headlights when using my brights flasher, I'm going to go ahead and replace that - hopefully will solve both problems.
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Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,904 POSTS
Good call, here are instructions and diagrams to help you change the switch out. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 AT 11:01 AM

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