92 Honda Accord has all 3 brakelights out.

Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 HONDA ACCORD
  • 278 MILES
Brake switch has been replaced, right side brake senor replaced, new wire ran from brake switch to backside(trunk) of main harness. Don't have a voltmeter. Trying to figure it out without purchasing any tools, I know it will be a challenge. Any ideas?
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 11:52 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
You need something to check for power. Even a home made test light. If you ran a new wire to the main harness and they still don't work, there has to be a problem before the switch. You need to check for power. Make sure fuses are good too. Once you get a light or volt meter, check for power to the switch and out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 11:56 PM
Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
It is a new brake switch. I think the old one still worked. The lights do work after I put in a new fuse, but as soon as I drive around for a very short distance then they go out again. I have tried wiggling all of the cables in the trunk with the brake lights on and nothing happens. They work. Until I drive to work the next morning.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 12:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Is the fues blown when this happens?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 1:10 AM
Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Yes the fuses blow.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 1:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
There has to be a short between the new wiring you installed and the lights. Also, check the light sockets. I have seen them break down inside and short.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 3:54 AM
Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The problem is the same even before the new wire was put in. I have one light socket that was corrided inside, but was still working. I disconnected the pig tale (the corrudied wire) and the lights still go out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 5:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If it is the same with the new wire, the problem has to be between the two. You bypassed the original wire, so that can't be the problem.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 5:40 AM
Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I will look at the wiring again in the trunk after the main harness. I think I will close the trunk lid this time and from the inside start moving wires around until I see the lights go out. It they go out then maybe that will give a direction or side to pay more attention to. I will let you know what I find.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 3:34 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Sounds good. Let me know, and have a great Thanksgiving!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 5:47 PM
Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Nothing happened. I replaced the fuse, set brakeslights on, got into the trunk and moved the wires around the bulbs, sensor, main harness, 3rd light wires. Nothing went out. I even jumped up and down on the rear bumper and nothing went out.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 10:26 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
You have the same luck as me. If it does go out, I want you to disconnect the new wire and replace the fuse. Hit the brakes and even though there will be no power to the lights, see if the fuse blows. If it does, the short is at or before the switch.

I was thinking about this when I ran to pick up a pizza. The short could be before the switch as well.

LEt me know. Happy Thanksgiving!

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 11:17 PM
Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Well I drove the car around several miles and the lights didn't go out, but that was yesterday. I will try it again here soon. Also, if they do go out and I have to disconnect the wire, how would I do that? It is tied into the wire at the break switch, so in order for me to disconnect the wire would be to cut it, and there really isn't enough wire left to reattach it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, November 24th, 2011 AT 8:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I was refering to the jumpper wire you added.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, November 25th, 2011 AT 4:25 AM
Tiny
JACKST
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Well, I don't know what I did, but the lights are still working. Maybe I wiggled the wires just right. I don't know, but for now they are working. Now I will have to see about performing my own tuneup or think about getting another used Honda. Thanks for all of your advice.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 28th, 2011 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Glad to help. You must have moved a wire away from where it was shorting. Take care,

joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, November 28th, 2011 AT 7:08 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Brake Light Switch Content

Brake Light Switch Replacement
VIDEO
Brake Light Switch Replacement
Instructional repair video
Brake Light Switch Replacement
GUIDE
Brake Light Switch Replacement
We are a team of certified mechanics that have created this guide to help you save money while doing the job yourself, or at least see what you are paying for when having...
VIEW MORE