Brake lights are always on while the car is running - 1990 Toyota Corolla

Asked by GuruJ169 May 24, 2017 at 11:35 PM about the 1990 Toyota Corolla

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

1990 Toyota Corolla Station Wagon

When I start my car, all 3 brake lights come on and stay on the entire time the
car is running. When I shut the car off, the lights go off, so I don't think it's the
switch at the brake pedal.

When the car is on and I press the brakes, the brake lights brighten a SMIDGE.
But they do brighten.

I haven't had any warning or indicator lights come on on my dash though, so
I'm not sure it's the alternator?

I didn't know if the brakes lights coming on as soon as the car is started might
be some sort of indicator that my brake pads are almost gone?

Any input or advice would be super helpful!!

2 Answers
5

Robert answered 7 years ago

You say "when the car is running" but I assume that you mean whenever the ignition switch is on. I think you have a partial short in the brake switch wiring somewhere. I say partial because when you push the brake pedal, the lights brighten because you now have a good ground. Probably, the wires have worn through the insulation somewhere and are toughing the body metal. Move the wires around a bit and see if you can get it to stop. If so, use electrical tape to renew the insulation.

Mark helpful

GuruJ169 answered 7 years ago

Yes, whenever the ignition is on :) good clarification. Any idea where to look for the brake switch wiring? Would it be under the hood, or under the dash?

Mark helpful

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