Why are my brake lights and cruise control not working?

JAYSONFIRE

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET TAHOE
100,000 MILES

Cruise control worked on and off for a while, now out. Brake lights (all 3) now won't work. Replaced brake light switch on brake pedal, didn't work. When I try to use high beams it blows a fuse, all other fuses tested fine. Seem to have maybe a grounding problem or turn signal switch on steering column bad but don't know how to test ground or signal failure. Not getting voltage to the rear wires above the tail pipe that feed trailer lights, plate lights, etc. I did notice that I had cruise control one time in the last three months and it was when I was towing a trailer with lights hooked up. Hmmm any ideas?

Monday, June 18th, 2012 AT 6:09 PM

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Start by checking the tow harness.
Which fuse is blowing?
When the brake lights don't work, the cruise control would not as well.
Did you check and test the brake fuse? At the brake switch, use t DVOM or test light to test the sires for power supply. At least one wire must be hot at all times.

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Monday, June 18th, 2012 AT 7:18 PM

JAYSONFIRE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I guess it was the brake switch. All 3 bulbs were burnt out so when I replaced them everything came back. Even the high beams don't blow the high beam fuse now. I guess the switch could have been fine but something blew all three brake lights at the same time b/c I had just checked them 2 days before. Hopefully it's not something else, guess i'll find out soon. Thanks for the info, cool website.

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Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 AT 1:46 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Have the charging system checked. Any spike in the alternator charging can result in multiple bulbs blowing and if serious, it can bring other electrical components down.

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Wednesday, June 20th, 2012 AT 2:31 PM