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Brake Lights Out... Got pulled over?

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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 06:35 PM
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Brake Lights Out... Got pulled over?

I got pulled over today because my two brake lights were out. I had no idea... My tail lights do light up when my lights are on but my back two brake lights do not light up when I hit the brake. My spoiler light comes on when I hit the brake though. I check my fuses and they are good. What could the problem be? Anyone else have this happen before?
Old Mar 6, 2005 | 06:42 PM
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Did you check you bulbs to see if they were out? I kno bulbs go out I just don't what the life span on OEM bulbs would be....so I would say try those
Old Mar 6, 2005 | 07:41 PM
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I have had the problem with one of the bulbs. Since the bulb is a dual filament bulb, the light would turn on when the brakes would be applied but not with the headlights (running lights). It was that the bulb had come loose in the harness. You really have to snap it in there. I know what I described is the exact opposite of your problem, but it should be similar. Otherwise, replace both bulbs for $5. If you got a ticket, it was probably a fix it ticket and you just need to prove it's been fixed. Good luck.
Old Mar 6, 2005 | 07:54 PM
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did you get a ticket or anything?
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 05:41 AM
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no, I didn't get a ticket... he just said, "ok as long as you are aware of it" and let me go. The cops around here are not bad at all. I am going to go over to AA today to see what they think and hopefully this will all go away. Any other suggestions?
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 07:57 AM
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XGaSpAcHo
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Originally Posted by xtantmaxima
I have had the problem with one of the bulbs. Since the bulb is a dual filament bulb, the light would turn on when the brakes would be applied but not with the headlights (running lights).
i believe i had the same thing in my altima. the regular lights will come on but the brake light didnt for one of my tail lights. just change the bulbs.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 09:10 AM
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If its not the bulbs, its a wire leading to them but I'd say it is your bulbs.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 09:42 AM
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I had the same problem about a year ago. It sounds simple but make sure the bulbs are "snapped" all the way in.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 09:50 AM
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I got the same problem and the way to fix it is change the bulbs and MAKE sure you push in the bulb as hard as you can.... I did it the normal way the first time and for some reason it didn't light up.....my .02
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 10:00 AM
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Originally Posted by Lontar1
MAKE sure you push in the bulb as hard as you can.... I did it the normal way the first time and for some reason it didn't light up.....my .02
it has to CLICK in place in the socket.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 10:08 AM
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It's the bulbs. The bulbs are two-way bulbs. When you buy them, make sure they are in ALL THE WAY. I can't stress that enough. You should here 2 clicks.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 12:10 PM
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ok thanks for all the replies... I am going to try to go push on them and see if they come back on if not I will get new bulbs tonight... thanks again.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 12:25 PM
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Rear Brake lights

I had this problem and found the answer thru these boards. The bulb i bought had a small nipple on the bottom from manufacturing, this nipple stops the bulb from inserting all the way into the harness. When i installed the new bulb - At first I had running lights but no brake light.

Well, i sanded down the nipple on the bottom of the bulb and bingo the bulb popped in and the brake lights work!!

I am under the impression that a bulb from nissan doesnt have the nipple, but i would have to pay for the bulb and pick it up when it comes in at the dealer i go to.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by don locke
I had this problem and found the answer thru these boards. The bulb i bought had a small nipple on the bottom from manufacturing, this nipple stops the bulb from inserting all the way into the harness. When i installed the new bulb - At first I had running lights but no brake light.

Well, i sanded down the nipple on the bottom of the bulb and bingo the bulb popped in and the brake lights work!!
There's no need to sand down the little tip on the bottom. The OEM bulbs I replaced had them. The problem is that people are timid pressing them in, afraid the all glass bulbs will brake.
Old Mar 7, 2005 | 01:45 PM
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fixed... and the answer is... the dumbass who replaced them for inspection did not push them in the whole way. I pushed harder on the bulb and herd the second click you guys were talking about... problem fixed so thanks again!
Old Mar 10, 2005 | 07:13 PM
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i am having this problem except my brake lights work but not my running lights at the back. will work it out hopefully
Old Mar 13, 2005 | 06:50 AM
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I have a problem that hopefully can be solved easily. I made the mistake of replacing a tail light without pushing the bulb in all the way. It lit up, but it did not click all the way when I pushed it in. Anyway, today I saw that the bulb had actually fallen into the tail light cover, whatever it is called. I can not reach it through the hood, as the bulb has rolled to the side. Is it possible/difficult to take off the passenger side tail light cover? Any suggestions? Thanks In advance.
Old Mar 13, 2005 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by Leviathan
I have a problem that hopefully can be solved easily. I made the mistake of replacing a tail light without pushing the bulb in all the way. It lit up, but it did not click all the way when I pushed it in. Anyway, today I saw that the bulb had actually fallen into the tail light cover, whatever it is called. I can not reach it through the hood, as the bulb has rolled to the side. Is it possible/difficult to take off the passenger side tail light cover? Any suggestions? Thanks In advance.
Should just be a couple screws holding it in the taillight from the back.
Old Mar 13, 2005 | 10:28 AM
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XGaSpAcHo
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Originally Posted by frankd121
Should just be a couple screws holding it in the taillight from the back.
i think it's a bit more complicated than that...
Old Mar 13, 2005 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by 2KmaximaSE
fixed... and the answer is... the dumbass who replaced them for inspection did not push them in the whole way. I pushed harder on the bulb and herd the second click you guys were talking about... problem fixed so thanks again!
Did he check them after he replaced them? If it was for an inspection I would think he checked after he replaced them.
Old Mar 16, 2005 | 03:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Zero Deuce SE
Did he check them after he replaced them? If it was for an inspection I would think he checked after he replaced them.
I didn't think of that... i guess that's what they knew was wrong and they just put the new bulbs in and sent it out the door... they are very busy there so it would not suprise me
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