1990 Honda CRX brake/tail light

Tiny
BJBAUER
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 HONDA CRX
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
The brake light hardly ever works even though the tail light in the same bulb does. The connector casing is rusty inside but I have cleaned the contacts and assume contact is being made because of the tail light coming on. The brake filament is in one piece so I can't work out why the light's not coming on.
Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 1:51 AM

6 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
If the tail light is working but the brake light is not working then I suggest inspecting brake light switch, located above brake pedal arm under dash.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 2:33 AM
Tiny
BJBAUER
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Thanks for your prompt answer but the OTHER brake light is working so I imagine it can't be the switch.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 3:54 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
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Okay, sorry about that. I did not realize you meant only one side. Since this is an intermittent problem with one brake light then it must be a faulty connection somewhere. I suggest first inspecting ground wires as these are the most common to cause problems such as this. If ground is OK then inspect the rest of the wiring and use a volt meter if necessary.

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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 3:57 AM
Tiny
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Thanks! Will inspect everything that I can see easily but have no clue about electrics really so hope it's something obvious!
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 4:45 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Just my 2 cents.

Remove the bulb and check the 2 terminals inside socket. Sometimes one would wear off due to heat.
Swap bulb with other side to confirm bulb is ok, visual inspection sometimes do not work.
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 6:50 AM
Tiny
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Caught me on my way to the car, so I'll do that too. Thank you. :)
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Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 AT 7:31 AM

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