Honda civic brake lights not working- How to troubleshoot?

You and your costly Honda Civic are in danger if brake lights are out of work. You need immediate fixation to protect yourself, your vehicle, and others on the road. However, troubleshooting the brake light issue is not as simple as people think. At the same time, it doesn’t mean you can’t troubleshoot the honda civic brake lights not working

There are several reasons for the brake lights issue in Honda Civic. But here are the five major causes that must be checked if you have a brake light problem.

  • Blown fuse
  • Corroded wiring or connectors
  • Faulty brake light switch
  • Broken or loose wires
  • Faulty brake light module

Stay here; I will go over the common causes of brake light failure and their step-by-step solutions. So, let’s explore to eliminate the problem.

Honda Civic brake lights not working- [ Causes & Solutions]

Honda Civic brake lights not working

Problem 1- Blown Fuse

The fuse is responsible for supplying power to the brake lights. If the fuse is blown, you may experience faulty brake lights. You will need to check for the fuse to eliminate the problem.

Special Note: A blown fuse is also a common problem for ford ranger and chevy truck brake lights problems.

Solution 1-

  • Turn off the engine and locate the fuse box.
  • Use the fuse box diagram to identify the brake light fuse.
  • Pull out the fuse using the fuse puller or pliers.
  • Check if the fuse is blown by examining the metal wire inside.
  • If blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage rating.
  • Push the new fuse into the slot until it clicks into place.
  • Turn on the engine and test the brake lights to ensure they work correctly.

Problem 2- Corroded Connectors

Honda Civic brake lights not working

Corrosion on the connector can be the culprit for the brake light problem. You must consider checking for the corroded connector if you experience brake light problems. Clean or replace the connector as needed.

Solution 1-

  • Disconnect the battery to avoid electrical shock.
  • Locate the brake light connectors and inspect them for corrosion. The brake light connector in a Honda Civic is mounted near the tail light at the back of the brake light assembly.
  • Clean the connectors using a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the corrosion.
  • Apply dielectric grease to the connectors to prevent future corrosion.
  • Reconnect the connectors and test the brake lights.

Problem 3- Faulty Brake light switch

The brake light switch is the most common cause of brake light problems. It is common for all the honda civic models, including 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 etc.

Did you know? A faulty brake light switch is also a common cause of Honda accord brake light and tail lights and dash lights problems.

Solution 3-

  • First, locate the brake light switch; it will be mounted near the brake pedal.
  • Disconnect the switch’s electrical connector.
  • Remove the switch by unscrewing it from the pedal assembly.
  • Install a new switch by screwing it into the pedal assembly. I recommend Standard motor brake light switch for the Honda civic. It is compatible with all Honda civic and many other brand models.
  • Once installed, reconnect the electrical connector to the new switch.

Warning: Don’t forget to test the brake lights to ensure they function correctly.

Problem 4- Broken or loose wires

The brake light wires should be appropriately connected. You cannot illuminate the brake lights if the wires are broken or loose. So, checking for the wires to ensure they are correctly connected is better.

Solution 4-

  • Switch off your vehicle and remove the key from the ignition.
  • Locate the brake light wiring underneath the vehicle.
  • Inspect the wiring for any damage or looseness.
  • If wires are broken, use a wire stripper to strip the insulation and twist the broken ends together.
  • If any wires are loose, tighten the connections using pliers.
  • Test the brake lights to ensure they are working correctly.
  • Once confirmed, secure the wiring with zip ties or electrical tape.
  • Turn on the engine and test the brake lights again to ensure they work correctly.

Problem 5- Faulty brake light module

Why is my 2000 Honda Civic brake light not working? Well, You may experience this issue due to a problem with the brake light module. A faulty brake light module must need to be replaced to get rid of the problem.

Solution 5-

  • Turn off the engine and open the trunk.
  • Locate the brake light module near the back of the vehicle.
  • Disconnect the wiring harness and remove the module.
  • Take the new brake light module. I recommend the Timer shop’s brake light module. It is a universal module that is compatible with all vehicle’s brake lights.
  • Install a new module in its place and reconnect the wiring harness.
  • Turn on the engine and test the brake lights to ensure they work properly.

Why is my Honda Civic brake lights won’t turn off?

Why is my Honda Civic brake lights won't turn off

A faulty brake light switch is most likely to cause your Honda Civic’s brake lights to stay on. This switch is located near the brake pedal and may need adjustment or replacement.

Solution

  • Locate the brake light switch under the dashboard near the pedal. 
  • Disconnect the wiring harness from the switch. 
  • Remove the switch by unscrewing it from the bracket. 
  • Install a new switch and reattach the wiring harness. 
  • Adjust the switch to activate the brake lights when the pedal is pressed, but do not keep them on when released.

Why is my honda civic tail lights not working?

Your Honda Civic tail lights may not work due to a blown fuse, a faulty wiring connection, a burned-out bulb, or a malfunctioning switch.

Solution

  • Check the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the tail lights.
  • Inspect the wiring connection from the tail light assembly to the car’s electrical system for any damage or disconnection.
  • Replace any burned-out bulbs in the tail light assembly.
  • Test the tail light switch to see if it is functioning correctly. If it is not, replace it.

Why does my Honda brake lights stay on?

Your Honda brake lights may stay on for various reasons, such as a faulty brake light switch, a damaged wiring harness, or a malfunctioning brake pedal sensor.

Solution

  • Check the brake light switch by locating it under the brake pedal and ensuring it is properly adjusted and functioning.
  • Inspect the wiring harness for any damage or lose connections.
  • Test the brake pedal sensor for proper operation.
  • If any of these components are faulty, replace them with new ones.

Auto-tips: Test the brake lights to confirm they no longer stay on.

FAQs

Is there a fuse for the brake light in the Honda Civic?

Yes, the Honda Civic has a fuse for the brake light. The location of the fuse may vary depending on the year and model of the car, so it’s best to consult the owner’s manual or a mechanic for specific information.

Why is my Honda Civic brake light not working but others are working?

There could be various reasons for this issue, such as a blown bulb, faulty wiring, or a malfunctioning brake light switch. You should first check the bulb and wiring; if they seem fine, then check for the other causes.

How to change 2008 honda civic brake light?

Here is a step-by-step guide to changing the brake light on a 2008 Honda Civic:

  • Open the trunk and locate the brake light assembly.
  • Remove the screws or clips that hold the assembly in place.
  • Carefully pull the assembly out of the car.
  • Locate the brake light bulb and twist it counterclockwise to remove it.
  • Replace the old faulty bulb with a new one.
  • Reinsert the assembly into the car and secure it with the screws or clips.
  • Test the new brake light to ensure it’s working properly.

Why is my honda civic rear running lights not working?

There could be several reasons why your Honda Civic’s rear running lights are not working, such as a blown fuse, faulty wiring, or a burnt-out bulb.