Brake lights not working

[beege]

I only just found out tonight that my VT brake lights are not working! Only the tail light on the right side works when the headlights are switched on. Faulty bulbs? Switch? Fuse? Advice would greatly be appreciated as I'm a car noob.

[ephect]

most likely a faulty bulb, if the fuse was blown non of them would work.

get someone to see if both taillights and brake lights (foot on brake) work or not.

[wraith]

Sounds like bulbs. From memory they run dual filament. Brake filament breaks first because obviously it's being used more then the other.

[MikeCuzzy]

Could be both, the brake is on a different fuse if memory serves. So first of all check your fuses, the ones your are looking for are under the dash, the top 2, 10amp fuses on the left. Now the bulbs as Wraith said are dual filament, and usually about $3 from most servos. To get to the bulbs, pop the boot, and unsrew the 2 screws on the tailight. Gently, but firmly, push the taillights out parralel to the rear of the car. *Be cautious as plastic this old is pretty brittle*
Unscrew the bulb mounts inside and the bulbs are there.
If you're not sure, I'll take some photos and expand this a bit more if you need.

[calais24/7]

I doubt all thre bulbs have blown, they might but i doubt it. Unless you havnt checked for a very very long time. Another issue that it could be is the brake switch behind your bake pedal, that was the cause when mine stopped working. There a 5$ part and takes ten mins to replace. But check the bulbs and fuses first..

[ephect]

I doubt all thre bulbs have blown, they might but i doubt it. Unless you havnt checked for a very very long time. Another issue that it could be is the brake switch behind your bake pedal, that was the cause when mine stopped working. There a 5$ part and takes ten mins to replace. But check the bulbs and fuses first..

cant be fuse if one taillight works.. what can happen is often with the dual filament bulbs is when one pops, it often shorts out the other filament which takes out the side..

need to find out if the brakelights work as aposed to taillights

[xeanerix20]

check fuse first before the bulb. fuse is more easier to check..if the fuse is ok, then that's the time you remove the whole tail light to check the bulb

[kcpwns]

As stated above.
Check fuse first, as its easier. If fuse is fine check lights.
Problem solvered

[calais24/7]

cant be fuse if one taillight works.. what can happen is often with the dual filament bulbs is when one pops, it often shorts out the other filament which takes out the side..

need to find out if the brakelights work as aposed to taillights

yeah good point, but there should be three sperate brake lights? And i was just saying i doubt all three have blown

[beege]

Well guys, I think I've found the culprit....




Fuse and bulb were also blown and the plug on the other side of the car is screwed too. So how much do you reckon I should be paying to get it all fixed up?

2x plugs
At least one new bulb
1x new 10A fuse
Auto electrician labour?

Towing will be free since it's included in my NRMA package.

[itsagixa]

towing? you serious mate, go to a wreckers, prob cost you mayeb $20 bucks for new plugs and you can fit them yourself, its pretty easy just disconnect them if you can or cut the wires and re-crimp them.

[calais24/7]

whaaat are you serious!! Mate go to your nearest wreckes, UNPLUG a tailight loom, will have bulbs in it and pocket a few fuses. Or if you cant go in the yard just ask them for the l/h or r/h tailight loom that goes into the tailight, if the vt is the same as a vs you do not need to re wire anything, Just unplug your old harnerss and plug the new one in

[Old Timer]

One thing intrigues me. How could that damage to the globe sockets have happened INSIDE the light assembly??

[MikeCuzzy]

One thing intrigues me. How could that damage to the globe sockets have happened INSIDE the light assembly??

Happened to mine as well, the problem is the the bulb is essentially on a spring pushing against the plastic for about 12 years, plastic is very brittle by this age and the fact it has been exposed to Australia weather for that time. Every 40*c day takes it's toll on plastic. You'll have noticed plastic dashes on older cars tend to have tears/cracks in them, same sort of thing.

[Old Timer]

Sounds logical when you think about it. Thanks.

[xeanerix20]

yes mate, it's so easy to replace...as long as you get the right wire loom for your car just remove the rubber grommet where the wire goes and unplug the old ones and put the new ones. even the fuse is so cheap so don't waist your money for the labour.

[itsagixa]

you can put the extra money you saved towards some beers so after you have fixed the car by yourself you can crack a cold one and admire your handywork and think "jeez....im bloody good"