Brake lights only work with the turn signal on

[Rusty K20]

Hi guy's, I'm having an issue with my brake lights. The running lights, turn signals and hazards all work fine but the brake lights only work when I signal one way or the other. I have no idea what could be causing this, I changed the flasher for the turn signal but that did nothing. Any help would be much appreciated

 

[crpntr78]

Check your grounds at the tail light harness.

 

[Westislander]

I agree sounds like a ground problem

 

[Charlie]

May be bad turn signal switch under steering wheel. Had something similar on a previous truck I owned.

 

[Rusty K20]

I don't think it is a ground problem, none of my lights worked before I went through and cleaned all the grounds I could find, but I will look to see if I missed any

Is there anyway of checking to see if it is the turn signal switch without replacing it?

 

[Rusty K20]

It's definitely not a ground issue

 

[Goldie Driver]

You must be registered for see images attach

I don't think it is a ground problem, none of my lights worked before I went through and cleaned all the grounds I could find, but I will look to see if I missed any

Is there anyway of checking to see if it is the turn signal switch without replacing it?

Yes- you will need a known good one and plug it in under the dash for testing .

One thought might be to disconnect the switch and see if the brake lights work.

Long connector to the left of the brake light switch.

 

[Matt69olds]

The brake switch should have power on the orange wire, and on the white wire with the brake pedal pressed. Power then goes up to the turn signal switch, and comes out to each individual brake light on the same wire as the turn signals. If the turn signals work, you can assume the wiring and bulbs are good. Before doing anything else, push and pull the hazard light switch on the column a few times. If that doesn’t do anything, most likely the turn signal switch is defective and needs replaced.