Brake Lights Don't Work
 

Hi, my left and right brake lights are not working. However, the cyclops light in the rearview window works just fine. The "brake lamp" fuse seems fine, it is not broken and looks good. I inspected the light bulbs and both filaments look perfectly fine and are intact. The rear lights work when turned on, but the second filament doesn't work when the brake is depressed. It seems like the problem must be electrical since both bulbs are behaving the same way, and the cyclops is working fine. Does anyone have any ideas about what the problem might be or have any trouble shooting suggestions?

Thanks,

Justin

Are you getting an indicator that the bulb is out when you press the brake on the idiot light bar? I believe it's either red or yellow.

indicator light
 

No. I just checked it and I get no indicator light at all. I'm guessing that means that the system believes everything is working, right?

Yeah, which is odd. I'd take a voltmeter, and have someone, or something block the brake pedal so the lights say on, and test the harness the goes to the lights and see if you get power, test the sockets as well. Have you replaced one of the bulbs as well just to make sure it's not the bulb...though it's not likely it is?

S

Ok. I'll see about trying things with the voltometer. I haven't replaced any of the lights, but I guess I could easily try that just to rule it out completely. Thanks for your time and helpfull responses.

justin i had this problem about a week ago it is the brake light relay in the trunk its a little blue box by the power antenna, the relay went bad just replace it $65.00 from nissan i think, i just replaced with one from 85 maxima.

WOW! Thanks! Is there a way I can test to make sure its bad?

i'm having a hard time locating the brake light relay, is there any online documentation like a diagram...? I have no manual. What's the actual name of the part?

Sorry I mistakenly called it a brake light relay.
It is called the stop and tail lamp sensor.

Sedan model
The sensor is literaly right above the power antenna motor in the trunk. It is a little blue rectangle.

Wagon model
It is in the little well area behind the right rear tire and in front of the right side tail lights. That little area between them.
I don't know if it looks different than whats on sedan but should be a little blue box.

I don't know if there is a way to check it but you could ask the local shop I imagine if there is a way.