Brake Lights not functioning

[Nurega]

I was installing a new radio today, and while making some adjustment, hit the brake with my foot. I happened to notice that the brake lights didn't reflect back at me from the garage wall. I checked to make sure; when I hit the brakes, NONE of the brake-lights turn on. All the other lights - parking lights, reverse, turn signals - all work when I want them to.

I checked some of the fuses in the driver kickpanel and the engine, whichever I thought could possibly be the one that was blown. I couldn't find a blown fuse. I'm thinking that, with my size-13 feet, I may have pulled some wires when moving from clutch to brake (my left foot always rubs the wire harness when switching from brake to clutch).

Has anyone else had this problem? I have not yet checked the bulbs, but the BRAKE LAMP indicator is not lit. All bulbs were functioning two weeks ago.

Please help! I need this car to be drivable by Monday. Thanks!

[Vancefish]

I'd check the Brake light switch.

Like this one-->http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Beck-...item20b6dd79fc

Good luck! The switch could be bad, OR the wire pulled out, so check first.

[Bullhorn7]

When you press the brake does it let you shift gears? If not your switch is blown. If it does I dont know.

[MrSpeedy]

When you press the brake does it let you shift gears? If not your switch is blown. If it does I dont know.

I'm not sure how this is related? He's got manual transmission. Check your underhood fusebox and there should be fuse for brakelights and if you've got then test it with a volt meter. Or just replace it. I've seen fuses to go bad without the pin actually broken. Did you make your own connections for the radio? I mean did you splice any wires or something?

[Nurega]

I'd check the Brake light switch.

Like this one-->http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Beck-...item20b6dd79fc

Good luck! The switch could be bad, OR the wire pulled out, so check first.

I'll check if the wire has been pulled out. Is there any tell if the switch has gone bad?

When you press the brake does it let you shift gears? If not your switch is blown. If it does I dont know.

I have a manual transmission, so it's likely the switch.

I'm not sure how this is related? He's got manual transmission. Check your underhood fusebox and there should be fuse for brakelights and if you've got then test it with a volt meter. Or just replace it. I've seen fuses to go bad without the pin actually broken. Did you make your own connections for the radio? I mean did you splice any wires or something?

There isn't a fuse specifically for the brakelights; theres a lighting relay, interior lights, headlights, etc, but nothing specific for the brakelights. I'll go check all the fuses under the hood right now just to be sure.

The radio was out of an Acura Legend, so it was a direct swap (no splicing of wires).

[Nurega]

Update:

I've checked all the fuses in both fuseboxes. I'm removing the brake position sensor right now to test its function without having to crawl under the dash again. I'll probably order the part Vancefish suggested, but want to clean out the terminals on the old one to make sure it's broken.

Is this a common trouble area on this car? It's a pretty dangerous switch failure...I'd expect Honda to use a backup switch in case one fails.

[Vancefish]

I don't know that this is the issue. It's just where I'd start. Every vehicle has this type of switch. Over the years I've had to replace a few. Mainly on motorcycles though (They tend to have two switches).

The specific part I posted was just an example as well. Most local stores likely have one in stock too.

I also don't believe this is a common part to have fail. On average this part far outlasts the car itself. Just not always.

With any luck it's just a bad contact. However you should likely follow the wires that feed into it as well. Those big feet may have effected a wire farther down the line, then right AT the switch.

Again Good luck!

[Nurega]

Thank you for all the tips, Vancefish.

I removed and thoroughly tested the switch. I even tried to see if adjusting the terminals helped with the connection. The brake lights now work for the first 5 seconds the switch is connected, but never turn back on after that. It appears that the switch is the culprit. I ordered a new piece, so I'll update this thread once I've installed it.