Brake Lights Wont Turn Off: Common Reasons and Solutions

If your brake lights wont turn off even after you switch off your vehicle, there are several potential reasons. A broken brake light switch or sensor is the most common reason your brake lights remain on.

A broken stop pedal or an electrical issue can also cause it. This guide will explain the causes, solutions and other essential things to know about your car brake light.

What Are the Reasons Your Brake Light Won’t Turn Off?

The reason your brake light won’t turn off is because of an issue with your car’s lighting circuit. A car lighting circuit is comprised of five components: battery, switch, wiring, bulb and fuse. A malfunction of one of the components can affect your brake light.

If your headlights are on and won’t go off, your battery, fuse and headlamp bulbs operate properly. The solution is to separate the switch or the wiring, whichever is the issue. Here’s a detailed explanation of the possible causes:

– Unresponsive Brake Light Switch

The brake light switch is next to the brake pedal under the dashboard. The switch could be stuck in the closed position since it is open when driving and closed when pressing the brake pedal. Locate the brake switch and see if the brake lever moves in unison with the brake when the brake is compressed to verify this. You can be sure that the switch is a factor in your issue if it doesn’t move.

In the footwell near the pedals, there is a lot of moisture and grime, and switches can become clogged. Clean the switch and any oil or gunk blocking it from moving with a rag. If the lights go out when you disconnect the switch, you can be sure that is the source of the issue.

– Damaged Headlight Switch

Before turning off the engine, try turning off the headlights. Modern cars have lighting systems that are intended to stay on briefly after the ignition has been switched off. The module that delays the lights from going off is the cause of your issue if the lights turn off before you turn the ignition key off.

Setting your parking brake will turn off the system’s control module if your car has daytime running lights. You can attempt to replace that module to fix the issue if the lights stay on while the parking brake is applied. The feature can also be permanently disabled by entirely removing the module.

A short in your headlamp switch could also cause heat buildup. If the heat melts the insulating cover covering the wires or the plastic inside the switch mechanism, the cables may make contact, finishing the circuit and leaving your headlights on.

– Grounded Turn Signal Wiring

If the turn indicator switch and relay are working properly, the wiring will likely wear out and shorten the circuit. A short has the potential to drain the battery, harm internal parts, and, in the worst instance, ignite a fire.

When the turn signal fuse is removed and the lights continue to operate, you have a short circuit caused by a grounded cable. It is best to remove the turn signal bulbs and take your vehicle to an auto-electrician to have the issue fixed adequately if you don’t have experience dealing with worn wiring.

– Damaged Headlight Relay

The relay is connected to the lighting switch. The magnetic switch used in the circuit has a burnout risk. You can test the headlights by switching out a relay identical to the one that controls the headlights because similar relays are used for different systems in the electrical circuit. You can get a new relay to fix the issue if the headlights stop working.

– Damaged Light Sensor

If your car has automatic headlamps, a sensor in the front detects when it gets dark outside and turns on the headlights. These sunlight sensors are positioned beneath your windscreen in the center of the plastic cover or close to your rearview mirror.

Turning the headlamp selector switch from auto to off or “0” will quickly appear and this module might cause your headlights not to turn off. If the headlamps suddenly stop working, you’ve found the issue.

– Damaged Daytime Running Light Module

The tests determining whether this is an issue are more difficult for vehicles equipped with daytime running light modules. The relay that is attached to the daylight running module receives information from various places inside your car. These sources include the headlamp switch, the parking brake, one or more diodes, and the dashboard indicator lights.

You can check the continuity of the different circuits and components if you know how to read a wiring diagram and have access to a test light and multimeter. However, determining which part is defective is best left to the professionals if you are not an experienced DIY enthusiast or car electrician.

What Are the Steps To Make Your Brake Lights Turn Off?

The steps to make your brake lights turn off include inspecting the brake switch to see if anything is amiss, inspecting the brake pedal stopper, inspecting the electrical system, checking for corrosion or debris, inspecting the brake pedal spring, consulting your mechanic, and others.

You can drive a car with its brake light on. It might seem safe to travel with the brake light on, but it’s not a good idea. Other drivers may not notice you actively braking with your brake lights on, which could result in a rear-end collision. These are some of the things you can do if your car brake lights won’t go off:

– Inspect the Brake Switch

You would find the buttons for your brake right next to the pedal, under the dash. You want to make sure the switch is fully depressed. If it’s also broken, you should consider replacing it so that your brake lights can function properly again. Even if the brake pedal is released, you can attempt to change the brake pedal switch if it has an adjustment and appears engaged.

– Inspect the Brake Pedal Stopper

Additionally, a stopper that’s not working requires your full attention. You should search the area of the mat where the stopper might have fallen if it is gone. You can reattach it if you discover it undamaged. If it is broken, it must be changed.

– Inspect the Electrical System

Since it is the most difficult option, it should be considered last. The lights might behave strangely if there is a problem with the cabling for the braking system.

You can examine the wiring and connections by following the directions in your service manual, but you should only attempt this with a solid understanding of automobiles. As stated earlier, you should also ensure the proper type of light bulbs are installed in the rear lights.

– Check for Corrosion or Debris

The braking system contains numerous components susceptible to corrosion or debris buildup. Even a tiny bit of debris can cause problems. Check the stop lights, pedals, and lines between them quickly to ensure nothing has been harmed by corrosion, debris, or other contaminants.

– Inspect the Brake Pedal Spring

You will find the brake pedal spring situated under the pedal. If you bend over on the driver’s side, You should be able to see it. The brake system stays engaged and the lights come on if this spring has lost its tension and is unable to return to normal.

You can use a set of trusty needle nose pliers to remove the spring from its hook and replace it. After installation, check the brake lights to ensure your issue has been fixed.

– Test the Functionality of Your Brake Lights

You can test the functionality of your brake by urging someone else to watch your vehicle while your brake light is on by asking you to depress the brake. A voltmeter can also be utilized to check the voltage of the lights.

You can also take your vehicle to a mechanic and ask them to check your brake lights. A car’s brake lights are a crucial safety element. You and other drivers on the road may be in danger if they aren’t functioning correctly. Make sure to frequently test your brake lights to ensure they are working perfectly.

– Consult Your Mechanic

If everything fails, you should have a mechanic work on your vehicle. Even if there is only a problem with the light, you shouldn’t gamble with the braking system. These lights could cause your brake pads or rotors to wear out prematurely and confuse other motorists.

Furthermore, you are still determining any additional issues that, if not fixed, might result in you losing your brakes. Never jeopardize the safety of other drivers on the road, including yourself.

The cost of fixing a brake light control ranges from 25 to 300 dollars. The make type and model of your vehicle will determine how much cash it will cost to repair a brake light switch.

FAQs

– Is Driving With Your Brake Light on Illegal?

Yes, driving with your brake light on is illegal. This is because the ability of the drivers behind you to see when you are braking will be compromised, which could result in severe accidents. If they are sticking on, fix your brake lights as quickly as possible.

– Will Your Brake Light Not Going Off Drain Your Battery?

Yes, your brake light not going off will drain your car battery, especially when you turn off the ignition switch. It will likely not drain your car’s charge if it turns on when the ignition is on. However, you need to fix the issue quickly to prevent possible battery issues.

Conclusion

We’ve explained why your brake light isn’t going off and their possible solutions.

Let’s have a quick recap.

• Your brake light won’t go off because of an issue with your car’s lighting circuit.
• If your headlights are on and won’t go off, your battery, fuse and headlamp bulbs are all operating correctly.
• These are some of the things you can do if your car brake light won’t go off: check the brake control, look out for corrosion or debris, check the brake pedal spring, check the brake stopper and check the electrical system.
• Fixing a brake light switch ranges from 25 to 300 dollars. The make type and model of your vehicle will determine how much cash it will cost to repair a brake light switch.
• Your brake light not going off will drain your car battery, especially when you turn off the ignition switch.

If the brake light stays on, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. It can be illegal as well as a danger to your safety and the safety of other road users.