How to Fix Brake Lights on a Nissan Car

On most Nissan vehicles, the brake lights are part of the rear turn signal circuit. In addition, if you have a 1986 or newer model, your Nissan is equipped with a light mounted at the bottom or top of the rear window. This extra stop light is not part of the turn signal circuit. Consider this when working on the troubleshooting steps. You need an elementary understanding of electrical circuit operation, but if you want to learn basic circuit repair procedures, this guide will help you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Electronic parts cleaner
• Jumper wire
• 12-volt test light

Single Light Inspection

1. Remove the brake light lens from the rear of your Nissan or open the trunk and pull the brake light socket and bulb, depending on your particular model. You might need a Phillips screwdriver to remove the lens. The two light bulb filaments should be properly connected; if one or both are broken, replace the bulb.

2. Clean the bulb socket of corrosion, using electronic parts cleaner and make sure the electrical terminals are in good condition. If the terminals are worn, repair and make a firm connection and inspect the light for operation.

3. Connect the end of a jump wire to the ground terminal of the non-working light and the other end to a good ground on your vehicle. Ask a helper to depress the brake pedal. If the light works, repair the ground terminal on the light bulb socket. If the light still does not work, trace the wire back through the circuit using the wiring diagram for your particular vehicle. See the Tips section at the bottom for more information.

Brake Circuit Inspection

4. Check the fuse box and make sure the stop lights fuse is in good condition, if none of the brake lights is working. Hook the clip of a test light to a good ground and probe both sides of the fuse terminals with the tip of the test light. The light should glow; otherwise, pull and inspect the fuse and the fuse box terminals for corrosion. Replace the fuse or clean the terminals if necessary.

5. Unplug the electrical connector from the brake light switch mounted on the brake pedal. Connect a jumper wire between the two connector terminals. If the brake lights come on, replace the brake light switch. Plug the electrical connector to the brake switch.

6. Find the connector for the turn signal switch behind the steering column. You might have to remove the bottom cover from the base of the steering column. Identify the wire between the brake light switch and the turn signal switch, and the wires between the turn light switch and the rear lights. Probe the back of each of these wires at the connector with the test light as you depress the brake pedal. The test light should come on as you probe each wire; otherwise, replace the turn signal switch.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your owner's manual or vehicle service manual to identify and locate components. You can buy one at most auto parts stores or consult one for free at most public libraries.

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