The Brake Light Won't Work With the Tail Light in a 1988 Chevy Truck

There are several reasons for a brake light not working on a 1988 Chevrolet truck, such as loose connections, a faulty bulb or broken fuses. If the other lights on the tail lamp assembly are functional, however, the problem with a faulty brake light is the bulb. As all of the tail lights share the same electrical connection and fuse, a problem with a single light indicates a bulb issue. Chevy trucks from the 1988 model-year use 3157-type bulbs in their brake lights.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Clean cloth
• Replacement bulb

Instructions

1. Turn off the engine and open the tail gate.

2. Remove the two screws from behind the tail lamp assembly and pull the assembly out of the vehicle.

3. Squeeze the tab on the electrical connector and pull it out of the assembly.

4. Rotate the middle bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it. This is the brake light socket.

5. Pull the bulb out of the socket and use a clean cloth to install the replacement bulb. Place the socket back into the assembly and rotate it clockwise to secure it in place.

6. Reattach the electrical connector to the assembly. Place the assembly back into the vehicle and reinstall the two screws. Close the tail gate.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not touch the replacement bulb with your bare hands as this may ruin the bulb.

References

• "1988 Chevrolet K-1500 Owner's Manual"; General Motors Corporation; 1987