Auto manufacturers equip several safety features in cars. One of these safety features is the brake light.
When a driver steps on the brake pedal to slow down or stop his vehicle, the brake light at the back edges of the car will light up to notify other drivers that the vehicle in front is braking or stopping.
This alert will help the driver behind to either slow down or get out of the way. This will prevent or reduce the rates of road accidents.
If the brake lamp bulb goes bad and fails to illuminate the brake light when you depress the brake pedal, other drivers will hardly know when you’re slowing down or stopping.
And it increases the rate of car collisions. But what exactly does a brake lamp bulb fault mean?
This article will explain the brake lamp bulb’s fault meaning, its causes, and how to resolve the leading causes.
What Does a Brake Lamp Bulb Fault Mean?
When a brake lamp fault warning message pops up on your car’s dashboard, it means that the vehicle’s computer isn’t registering a complete circuit in the brake light when you step on the brake pedal.
This is becoming an increasingly common warning feature on newer cars over the last 5 to 10 years. However, a lot of older vehicles don’t have this alert built into their system.
In some older cars without a digital dash display, a brake lamp fault will cause a check engine or other warning light to come on. This might then throw a code C1223.
How Do Brake Lights Work?
In most cars, brake lights and taillights are connected to the main control switch that also controls the headlights and running lights. When you turn on your headlight, the taillights will also come on. However, the brake lights stay off.
The brake lights are directly connected to the brake switch, which is integrated with the brake pedal. Anytime you step on the brake pedal, it automatically turns on all the rear brake lights.
Most modern cars have the brake and taillights running through the same fuse, which is usually found in the interior circuit panel. The wiring then runs back to the rear light bulbs themselves, which typically have a dual filament inside.
A lower-lumen filament for the taillights stays on when the headlights or running lights are on. Then there’s a higher-lumen filament for the brake lights that only comes on when you step on the brakes, which activates the brake light switch.
However, some older ones have a separate fuse and filament bulb specifically for the brake light and a separate filament for the taillights. You can always check your owner’s manual to confirm how your car’s rear lights are configured.
What does brake lamp bulb fault mean?
The brake lamp bulb fault message will pop up on the dash whenever the system detects an underlying problem on the brakes that affects the brake bulbs at the back edges of the car.
These warning messages appear whenever there’s an issue bridging power from traveling to the brake bulbs or while the brake light is flickering.
This warning message is not common with all cars and does not happen all the time. However, if you’re experiencing this issue, you’ll find the probable causes in the following sections and how to rectify them.
The warning message ‘ brake lamp bulb fault’ on Ford Kuga and other car models is just a heads up of what’s going on. This requires you to diagnose the brake lamp bulbs and proffer solutions to the culprit.
Generally, any braking problem that causes the brake light to stop lighting is called a “brake lamp bulb fault.” Of course, some vehicles will not display this warning message, no matter the root cause.
The brake light bulb is not an ‘isolator unit.’ Instead, it relies on several other components, like related switches and fuses, to work when you depress the pedal. So, what are the possible causes of brake lamp bulb faults on Ford Focus and other car models?
What causes brake lamp bulb fault?
Several factors can cause the brake lamp bulb fault on Ford Escape or other car models. These factors include wiring issues, defective light bulbs, blown fuses, bad brake switches, and faulty modules or relays.
#1. Faulty brake switch.
Auto manufacturers program brake lights to stay lit only when the driver depresses the brake pedal.
This is not magic! A brake switch signals the brake light bulbs to light whenever you step on the brake pedal. This switch is mounted underneath the driver’s footrest area near the pedals.
This brake switch collects the driver’s command as soon as you depress the brake pedal and light the brake lights at the back of the car. In some cases, the ABS comes on at the brake switch failure.
So what happens when you have a brake lamp bulb fault on Ford Transit or your respective car models due to a bad switch in the brake light is not light up?
If this happens, other drivers coming from behind will not know when you depress the brake pedal. Of course, this will increase the risk of road accidents.
#2. Dead or faulty bulbs.
Brake light bulbs do not last the lifespan of a car. Over time, they will become old and weak, lose their brightness, and eventually stop lighting. So, it’s possible that a dead brake light bulb is the reason the brake lamp bulb is flickering or not lighting.
In some vehicles, you’ll see a brake lamp bulb fault warning message on the dashboard at the brake bulb’s flickering or stops lighting. The purpose of the warning message is to notify you of underlying issues for you to track the root cause and proffer solutions.
#3. Wiring issues.
Wiring issues are another common reason for a brake lamp bulb fault on Ford Escape 2016 and other car models.
Wires connect to the brake bulbs, switches, and fuses. Any issues along the connection can cut the electric flow and prevent the brake lights from lighting when you step on the brake pedal.
#4. Blown fuses.
Fuses prevent the key components they are protecting from damage. Most fuses have two terminals and a metal stripe that runs through these terminals. If the metal strip break or the fuse get burnt, it will not pass current to the main component it is safeguarding.
In the case of a brake bulb, once the fuse breaks, the brake lamp bulb will not light up until you trace and replace it.
The brake light fuses are placed inside the fuse box under the hood or underneath the steering wheel.
A blown fuse can be responsible for a flickering brake light and can cause the bulb not to light at all. So, if the brake switch and the brake bulb are not the leading cause, a blown fuse is likely responsible for the issue.
#5. Defective modules or relays.
Brake modules or relays are the brake system’s central units that collect the driver’s command and ensure effective braking. If the module becomes faulty, it can cause the brake light to malfunction and brake failure.
Now that we have seen the probable causes of brake lamp bulb faults, how can you fix them?
#6. Overused Brake Pads.
Worn-out brake pads can also trigger the brake warning light on your dash. However, this issue will only show up on your dash if your car is equipped with sensors that monitor the wear level of the brake pads.
Check the brake pads if your Ford Focus or Ford Escape has this feature. If they are already worn out, replace them, and the brake warning light will be reset.
Symptoms of Brake Lamp Bulb Faults
Recognizing the symptoms of a brake lamp bulb fault is crucial for prompt action:
- Illumination warning light on the dashboard: This warning light, often depicted as a brake light or a bulb, illuminates when a brake lamp bulb fault is detected.
- Brake lights not illuminating when the brake pedal is pressed: This is the most obvious symptom, indicating a complete or partial failure of the brake lights.
- Dim or flickering brake lights: A dim or flickering brake light indicates a weak connection or a failing bulb.
- Buzzer or chime sound: Some vehicles emit a buzzer or chime sound when a brake lamp bulb fault is detected, alerting the driver to the issue.
Why Should You Avoid Driving With Bad Brake Lights?
You can continue driving because your vehicle would still work, but that doesn’t mean that you should. Here’s why.
#1. Increased Risk of Accidents.
Without brake lights, drivers behind you can’t tell when you’re slowing or stopping. So if you brake abruptly, they might hit your vehicle. According to a study, rear-end collisions account for 29% of road accidents that led to serious injuries.
#2. More Liability.
The vehicle that’s at fault is liable in case of an accident. So if you crashed into a car because its brake lights aren’t working, then you might be able to file a compensation claim.
Likewise, if you get rear-ended while driving with faulty brake lights, you could get in trouble with the law.
#3. Legal Concerns.
It’s illegal to drive with bad brake lights in some states. You can get pulled over by the authorities if yours isn’t working. You could get a ticket if more than one of your brake lights is faulty. Fines can vary depending on the state where you’re in.
#4. Shift Lock Override.
If your ride has a shift lock override, it would activate when it detects that one of your brake lights is out.
It prevents the car from shifting once there’s a mechanic error detected. So you’ll risk damaging your transmission system if you continue to drive with bad brake lights.
Diagnosing a Brake Light Fault
If you notice that your brake lights are not working, it’s essential to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take:
#1. Check the Bulbs.
The first step is to check the brake light bulbs. Turn on your parking lights and visually inspect the bulbs. If any bulbs are burned out, replace them. If you’re unsure how to replace a bulb, consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or seek assistance from a mechanic.
#2. Inspect the Wiring Harness.
Next, inspect the wiring harness for any signs of damage, such as fraying, cuts, or corrosion.
If you find any damage, repair or replace the wiring as needed. Be careful when working with electrical wiring, and always disconnect the battery before working on any electrical components.
#3. Test the Brake Pedal Switch.
The brake pedal switch can be tested using a multimeter. With the ignition off, disconnect the connector from the switch.
Set the multimeter to continuity mode and touch the probes to the two terminals of the switch. If the multimeter beeps, the switch is working properly. If not, the switch needs to be replaced.
#4. Check the Brake Light Control Module.
Diagnosing a faulty brake light control module can be more complex and may require specialized equipment. If you suspect a problem with the control module, it’s best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
How do you fix the brake lamp bulb fault?
Since there are several causes of brake lamp bulb faults, there are several possible approaches to rectify them.
#1. Replace a dead brake bulb.
If a dead brake bulb is the root cause, the only way to rectify it is to change the dead bulb. Follow the below steps to change the dead bulb.
- Unscrew the screws holding the lamp in place
- Gently unplug the connector on the bulb and inspect it. If there’s a dust substance inside the bulb, the filament has broken or has turned dark brown, you have a dead bulb that needs replacement.
- Get a new bulb and replace it following the reverse process.
#2. Replace a defective brake switch.
If a bad switch is a culprit, you’ll only have to replace it to fix the problem. As reiterated above, the brake switch is mounted underneath the steering wheel, near the car pedals.
Locate and replace the dead switch with a good one. However, you want to ensure this is the root cause before replacing it.
#3. Fix wiring issues.
Let’s get this straight; you can fix electrical issues on a car with the right guidance, but I don’t recommend doing it unless you’re good at what you do. This is because wrong wiring can damage the entire line and lead to a severe problem.
However, if the root cause is a wiring problem, you can fix it in three ways.
- Tape exposed wires with electrical tape.
- Clean all connectors and tighten loose connections
- Rewire or replace damaged wires.
#4. Replace a lousy fuse.
If proper diagnosis proves that the root cause is a blown fuse, then you have to replace the fuse with the same amperage. Do not use higher or lower amperages for a fuse replacement. For Instance, If your brake lamp fuse is 7.5, do not use 5 or 10.
Follow the below steps to replace a blown fuse.
- Switch off the engine and locate the fuse box
- Locate the brake lamp fuse by following the instructions on the fuse cover. A faulty fuse will have a broken metal strip across the two terminals.
- Pull out the dead fuse and install a new one.
#5. Contact an experienced service technician.
If none of these probable solutions fixes the problem, contact an auto mechanic to diagnose and rectify it. It could be you did not perform the diagnosis and fixes properly, or the brake module is the root cause.
How to Test Your Brake Lights
If you don’t want to be surprised needlessly by a brake warning light false alarm, there is one thing you can do to prevent it. To avoid experiencing a Ford Escape brake lamp bulb fault, you must periodically test your brake lights and warning system.
This is the best way you can avoid being startled by this issue. Two times a year of brake lights and ABS testing will be enough.
Do this testing, particularly before the coming of the winter months, where low light is most prevalent. Winter is the season when you need your brake lights working most efficiently.
Here’s a simple way of testing your brake lights:
- Ask a friend to stand behind your Ford Focus or Ford Escape.
- Then step on the brake pedal.
- Ask your friend to tell you if all the bulbs are working.
- Check all the brake lights in your car if they are all working. Your vehicle may have brake lights at the rear, at the center of the rear windshield, or in some rear part of your car.
If you are alone, you can place a large mirror at the back of your car. Place the mirror where you can see it while sitting on the driver’s seat.
How Much Does it Cost to fix Brake Lamp Bulb Fault?
Brake lamp bulb replacement is an easy repair task that anyone can do with the right guide. However, a brake lamp bulb fault costs around $10 to $30 to fix.
If you decide to fix the problem at home, you’ll spend $10 on the bulbs and save $20 in labor fees. Fixing it on your own will also save you the inconvenience of driving down to a repair shop and the wait time.
FAQs.
Q: Can I drive with my brake light on?
The brake light on the dashboard will not stop you from driving. But, it is dangerous to drive with it because the brake light on the dashboard means there’s an underlying problem that needs attention.
Issues like faulty sensors, failed ABS systems, worn brake pads, and leaking or low brake fluid can trigger the brake light on the dash.
Of course, any of these can cause the brake system to fail when you try to brake. However, a partially engaged parking brake or a less severe issue like a burnt brake bulb can be the leading cause.
Since the brake is a safety feature, you have to rectify the issue no matter the root cause.
Q: How long can I drive with the brake light on?
Several issues can cause the brake light to stay lit on the dashboard. If the leading cause is a worn brake pad, you can drive 500 to 1000 miles before incurring any damage on related brake components like the brake rotors and calipers.
However, if the cause is leaking brake fluid, the brake will fail at any time. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and fix the problem immediately.
Q: Is there a fuse for the brake light?
The brake light has a fuse that acts as a shield to protect it from blowing. Like other fuses in car fuses, the braking light fuse is located in the power distribution center (fuse box) under the hood or beneath the steering wheel.
Q: Can I drive without brake lights?
It is illegal to drive without a brake light in the states. For this reason, most officers will issue you a ticket for cruising without brake lights.
You can avoid all these hassles by fixing the problem once you detect it. However, some officers will only pull you over and warn you if you’re driving with only one brake light out.
Q: Why is my brake light on after replacing the brake pads?
Undoubtedly, several issues can cause the brake light to come on. If you replace the brake pads and the lights are still on, you likely have other issues that need attention.
This could mean the brake fluid is low or leaking, the ABS is malfunctioning, you have defective sensors, or the emergency brakes are partially engaged.
Q: Are tail lights and brake lights on the same fuse?
While the tail light and brake light share the same bulb on most vehicles, they have different circuits. That is why the tail light can die while the brake light is still functioning and vice versa.
Q: How would a driver know that a brake light bulb is not working?
Some newer vehicles have indicators that notify the driver while the brake light is flickering or not coming on. An example of this indicator is the brake lamp bulb fault warning message.
If you drive older model cars without these warnings, the driver can know if the brake bulb light is not working by asking a friend to stand behind the vehicle while he depresses the brake pedal.
Final Words
Brake lamp bulb fault warning message is not common with all vehicles, especially older models. So, there’s a chance your baby ride does not have this feature, meaning it may not pop up on your dashboard throughout the lifespan of your car.
But if you’re seeing this message on your dashboard, follow the above instructions to track and rectify the leading cause. This article has explained the meaning, causes, and how to fix the problem, making it easier for you to rectify the problem.