Brake light and taillight reversed

Tiny
ADHDANGEL
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,000 MILES
Hello, the brake light on my driver's side is reversed. When I step on the brake pedal the bulb shines dim and when I turn on my lights the bulb shines bright, but it should be the other way around. I'm not sure how long it's been long this but I'm guessing since I bought it used. I assume it's wiring but any help would be appreciated. Also already replaced the bulbs and tried rotating the bulb but that didn't fix it.
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 AT 4:00 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are correct. This is most likely a wiring issue, but it doesn't look like the wiring at the taillights has been messed with. This means we have an issue somewhere else.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

So that means we need to check the voltage on the brake light circuit from the stop lamp relay. Then ohm them out to make sure the wire is connected end to end. Meaning someone may have swapped the wires by accident.

This happens all the time because if you look at the supply wire, it is green and then green and black. So, they are easily swapped.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

If nothing else, we can just cut the wires and swap them if we can't find where they are swapped somewhere else in the harness.

Please run through this info and let me know what questions you have.

Thanks
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Thursday, April 21st, 2022 AT 8:02 AM
Tiny
ADHDANGEL
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
All right, I was looking at the wires and my bulb, and I noticed that one of the pegs was showing, so I took the bulb out and realized that it was in the wrong way. I rotated it and now the brake light works correctly. I could have sworn I already tried that when I installed the bulbs but I guess I just put it back in incorrectly, lol. Still thanks for the advice.
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Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 AT 5:46 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Haha. Well, that is interesting. I don't think I would have thought of that, so I am so glad that you found it and then shared it with us. I am sure that info will help others in the future.
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Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 AT 9:54 AM

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