A fixable problem is typically the reason for your LED brake lights not working. However, depending on the cause, you need the services of a professional mechanic or fix the issue yourself.
Of course, the safety of road users is paramount when driving, and faulty LED brake lights do not help the cause. Like every tail light, your brake lights need to be functional. The brake lights work just by depressing the brakes or decelerator to notify other motorists. When not working, you’re basically leaving other road users in the dark, which increases the risk of an accident.
LED brake lights not working: causes and repairs
A faulty LED brake light can be fixed, just like any other light – interior, dome, headlight, or other tail lights. If your LED brake lights won’t work, consider the following possibilities and fix:
1. Malfunctioning socket
The bulb socket supports the bulb and also acts as an electrical connection between the bulb and source of power, with the help of wiring. If faulty, your LED brake lights will not turn on.
It could be that the socket connections are corroded or dirty. It could even be worn, causing an intermittent connection.
How to fix
The bulb socket is a problem you can diagnose and fix yourself. If you already confirmed that the bulb is good, just check the light socket connectors for possible corrosion, dirty, or wiring problems. You need to get a replacement socket – just push it in after removing the old one. Refer to your vehicle manual or check online for tutorials for your specific car model or model year.
2. Blown light bulbs
Your light bulbs could be blown, and this is a common reason for LED brake lights not working. If you have an older car, it is possible that the bulbs are blown. So, after matching the brakes, if the bulbs won’t light, start by inspecting the bulbs.
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On newer models using LED brake lights, however, they last longer but will still degrade and require replacement over time.
How to fix
The solution is to check and replace the bulbs – you just need basic tools to complete the replacement procedure. A professional is not also necessary unless you do not have the tools.
Just remove the back cover of the taillights by opening your car trunk and removing the bulb with screwdrivers. Inspect to see if the bulb is blown out. Usually, the bulb is blown if you find a broken filament in it or the bulb just turned black.
3. Blown fuse
An automotive fuse protects the wiring and electrical components of your car, and are generally rated for circuits above 32 volts of direct current. Some types are rated 42 volts. Thus, if the fuse is blown, it can stop the LED brake lights from working.
How to fix
A modern vehicle will have 2 fuse boxes, and you’d have to find the brake light fuse – use your owner’s manual or the automaker’s online manual to trace the correct fuse. If a blown fuse is the reason your LED brake lights no longer work, get a replacement. Make sure the amperage of the new unit is the same as the old one.
4. Bad electrical ground
You need to check the electrical ground if your LED brake lights will not work. Sometimes, you’d notice that the taillights still work but not the brake lights. And if your brake light switch is still functional, the electrical ground could be the problem.
How to fix
A bad electrical ground could be caused by damaged or corroded wires. If you connect the light switch to another ground and it turns on while matching the brake pedal, the ground connection is faulty.
5. Wiring problem
The wiring could be the culprit. But first, confirm that the fuse, light bulb, or electrical ground is working. This may be a little technical, but you just have to inspect the bulb sockets from the switch and the wiring to the brake light switch from the fuse panel. It is possible that the bulb housing may is corroded or connections are either loose.
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How to fix
If you find the signs mentioned above, the wiring needs work. A professional mechanic is in the position to fix the problem to get your LED brake lights to work again.
6. Turn signal switch problem
In some cars, the brake lights are powered through the same circuit powering the turn signal light. If your car belongs in this category, and your LED brake light won’t work, the turn signal switch could be the culprit.
How to fix
The fix is usually to replace the wire connecting the brake light and the turn signal. If the turn signal is entirely faulty, you need a replacement.
Conclusion
Wen your LED brake lights go off, make sure to fix them ASAP. Remember how important it is to keep other road users informed, especially under sudden circumstances. If you can’t troubleshoot or diagnose the cause of the problem yourself, make sure to contact an experienced mechanic.
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