1996 Chevy Lumina Brake lights don't come on

DJP2134

MEMBER
1996 CHEVROLET LUMINA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
96,000 MILES

The brake light in the back window does come on when I brake, but the two brake lights located inside the tail lights do NOT come on when I brake. Someone suggested the ground wire, but I am not sure if they are referring to the wire that plugs into the tail light connector or if there is a ground wire at the pedal. Could there be something else that would cause this? I am confused because the brake light in the rear window does work but the tail light brake light does not.
Also, the tail light running lights work and so do the rear flashers. It is only the brake lights that do not work.
Thank you for your help.
Dennis

3 Replies

WSWJONES08

MEMBER
38 POSTS

I heard of a similar problem with someone else's lumina I know, same year. It ended up being a bad turn signal switch. Trying pulling the lever towards you and then see if the lights work. The contacts in the switch might be bad. Keep pulling it towards the steering wheel, or have someone hold it in place and hit the brake pedal.

Best of luck!

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Sunday, November 30th, 2008 AT 7:42 AM

FRANKDH

MEMBER
1 POST

I had this problem this week and the rear window light would light up but the others would not.
I used the tip about the turn signal switch and they are working.
I just wanted to verify that this is a problem and pulling the turn signal lever towards you can get them working again.

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 9:34 PM

BLACKOP555

MECHANIC
10,371 POSTS

It is indeed an issue with the turn signal swich.

While that does usually make it temporary, it is only temporary eventually it will need fixing. So fix it now or later your call.

When you do try to get a part form a junk yard.

Or take the one out yourself and try cleaning the contacts.

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Sunday, March 1st, 2009 AT 9:58 PM