Brake lights stopped working?

CBSANCHEZ

MEMBER
2008 KIA SPORTAGE
78,000 MILES

2008 KIA - It is not the bulbs, fuse or Stop light switch. What would cause this to happen? My two bottom brake lights stopped working. The third one on top still works. Also the ESC light is coming on and staying on for no reason after driving for about a mile or so down the road. Have changed out the bulbs, checked the fuse and tried a new stop light switch. Nothing has worked so far.

7 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,787 POSTS

Hey CBSANCHEZ,

If the upper brake light works than it is most likely to be something at each bulb, here is a wiring diagram one the brake lights and a couple guides tom help you get some testing done.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/brake-lights-not-working

and

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

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.

Best, Ken

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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 2:37 PM

KELLY2U

MEMBER
3 POSTS
1997 KIA SPORTAGE
45,000 MILES

1997 sportage 4 cyl manul. No brake lights. Brake light switch replaced, brake bulbs ok, power to the swith , tested the bulb socket for groundand it was fine. The high brake light works. Q I tested the two red wires in the brake light switch and one tested 12V the other small red tested lower. What should I try now?

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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

If you have power to the bulb, try grounding the other wire. How did you check the bulbs?

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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)

KELLY2U

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I do not have power to the bulb just the switch. I tested the bulb socket to the frame to check ground, the socket is grounded. I tested the bulb for continuity on the 2 filaments. And its fine

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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 2:38 PM (Merged)

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

High mount and rear stop lights are on the same circuit so if the high mount is working, problem should be at rear. Test the bulb socket Orange wire for battery voltage when brake switch is turned on.