Brake light issue

[GulfCoastBronco]

I replaced left brake light and it only comes on when starting up. It will not light up when brake is pressed, on/off etc only when the vehicle starts.

Tried a second bulb, same thing.

thoughts? Ideas?

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[Quashish]

What did you replace it with? Sometimes leds are polar sensitive. May need to flip it around? Although the brake light should work only when brakes are applied amd not necessarily a dual filament lamp.

 

[Dude]

My 100% guess with the limited info you provided is either it’s the wrong LED BULB for the application or is defective (but you tried 2 so that rules out defective)

because the above answer already covered the case below but in this case you wouldn’t get any light since an LED if it could be inserted backwards would not light at all

LED bulbs are dependent on the proper insertion into the socket, primarily due to the polarity of the LEDs. LEDs are diodes, meaning they allow current to flow in only one direction. If the LED's positive and negative terminals are not aligned correctly with the socket's terminals, the bulb will not function. Additionally, improper seating or damaged sockets can cause issues with bulb functionality

 

[Quashish]

This @Dude !!

 

[fjbear!]

What did you replace it with? Sometimes leds are polar sensitive. May need to flip it around? Although the brake light should work only when brakes are applied amd not necessarily a dual filament lamp.

Could be brake switch not supplying power when brake is pushed but to one side. Have u checked power?

 

[Davenorton]

Swap the two sides , left to right and back again. Will know if its a bulb or socket problem

 

[NMhunter]

I haven't checked, but is it the brake light or the running light that comes on when you start the car?

Does it light up when you turn on the emergency flashers?

 

[GulfCoastBronco]

I haven't checked, but is it the brake light or the running light that comes on when you start the car?

Does it light up when you turn on the emergency flashers?

it is the actual brake light. In the middle. It does not come on with flashes cause only the blinkers do.

it also will light up a split second after using the blinker. Then it goes back out again.

 

[GulfCoastBronco]

Update: for those that commented or are interested. I took my OBX to the dealer and they determined my aftermarket trailer harness was causing a malfunction and causing my brake light to not receive the proper output.
I have towed a trailer twice and had no issues and think the reason was kind of a cop out. But my brake light now works.

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