Q: Back brake light/ tail lights not working properly

asked by on November 25, 2016

I have a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. My back brake lights were coming on when I pressed on the brake pedal as they should ( but) they but about time I would come to a complete stop they would go out, it's like they would only come on by tapping them but pressing they would go out. I changed the switch out a couple of months ago and I thought it was working perfectly and then on my way to work one morning someone told me I had no brake lights. I thought I would go to the Chevrolet dealer to buy a acdelco switch. I thought it would make a difference but it's the same  it just stays on a little longer but once I come to complete stop it goes out also. The switch is not loose and the clamp is on tight. I am lost ! It does seem like my brake are very soft. I have changed my master cylinder and brake booster out prior to this. My brakes are soft and I have been reading that is a problem with this year truck. Can someone help me please??

My car has 160 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Brake light is not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. The brake lights are controlled by stoplight switch, contacted by the pedal. If they are cutting off after coming to a complete stop then that may be a sign that there is an issue with the switch, circuit, or the pedal. If the switch was recently replaced, then I would check the wiring and connector to both the switch, and the brake lights. A continuity and resistance test would determine if there is an issue between the switch and bulbs. I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine the exact cause of the stop light malfunctions.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Car stalls when I stop.
Having your Maxima stall while stopping can make it difficult to ever want to stop driving! Typically when I see a vehicle with these similar symptoms it leads me to consider two common possibilities, a dirty throttle body and problems...
What does the overdrive off light mean?
The overdrive off light is located on the instrument panel. This light will illuminate when the overdrive system on the transmission has been turned off. Tips The overdrive off light will briefly illuminate when the vehicle is turned on. The...
Local mechanic really messed up my car.
The park brake has a little contact switch that opens when the lever is pulled, sometimes a sugary drink gets spilled into the center console and leaves the switch sticky - usually requiring replacement. Your transmission solenoid seems to be...
Car has sat for a month and won't start
It's not uncommon for your battery to be drained down if your car sits for a month without starting. Modern vehicles have a lot of technology which requires a lot of computers. Those computers have what is called keep alive...
Hood not opening
Hi. You are fortunate that the latch is accessible. You can get under the front of your car and look up just behind the bumper. You will see the bottom of the hood latch, and the operating cable going into...
EPC keeping car from starting
The EPC light is indicating a fault in the electronic throttle control system. The best way to narrow down the issue is to read out the fault codes in the engine management system; there could be issues with the throttle...
Bought new tire and value stem week later svc tire monitor light came on
The TPMS will need to be checked to see if the new sensor is not working or there is another sensor failure. you may have a low tire or failed sensor. Once the system is checked again the if the...
Fuses
These kinds of electrical system failures are most likely from different electrical connections throughout the system getting small amounts of corrosion in the connectors and will require each affected system connector to be disconnected and a small amount of dielectric...
Overheated and engine knock
If your car has almost a quarter million miles on it it is quite plausible that it needs an engine replacement, Especially if it has been overheated. While it's possible to damage an engine by driving it with too much...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Volt
Whether Whether you’re concerned about the environment or just want a vehicle that allows you to use less gas, the 2012 Chevrolet Volt might be just right for you. Designed to run entirely via an electric current, this electric hybrid...
2005 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2005 Chevrolet Blazer: Which One Should I Buy?
Sport SUVs are a class all of their own; these vehicles are meant for a fun drive through the woods and across the trail – but not necessarily to Grandma’s house! Think instead about going through the creek and through...
2012 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Toyota Camry: Which One Should I Buy?
In the battle for the family vehicle, the 4-door sedan is a strong contender that just continues to be a viable option even with the rise of the crossover SUV and the popularity of passenger vans. These sedans offer a...