Silverado 3rd Brake Light Not Working? Here’s What to Do
If your Silverado third brake light won’t come on when the brakes are applied, you’re not alone. You may be looking for ideas and suggestions on what could be causing this problem and how to fix it. Luckily, this is what all this guide is about.
Silverado 3rd brake lights not working are usually caused by a variety of issues such as a bad brake light bulb, blown fuse, faulty wiring, and poor connections. Having your car diagnosed will help you pinpoint the exact cause and repair it to fix the stop light problem.
Read this article to discover full details about the most common causes behind your truck’s third brake light failing to work. Plus, we’ll discuss helpful troubleshooting tips to help you get to the bottom of this problem and make your 3rd brake light start functioning as expected.
Silverado 3rd Brake Light Not Working Causes:
Below, we’ll delve into more details about how the various factors we have just mentioned in the intro above cause your 3rd brake light to stop working.
Blown 3rd brake light bulb
Your truck has a bulb responsible for emitting light whenever you press your brake pedals. However, this bulb can burn out over time due to regular use.
When this happens, the bulb filament breaks, rendering the light non-functional when you apply the brakes.
You should inspect the bulb to determine if it’s the cause of the malfunctioning stop light.
If it appears blackened or the filament inside looks broken, then you’ll need to resolve it with a new bulb to fix this issue.
Faulty 3rd brake light fuse
The fuse is a crucial component in your electrical system as it prevents electrical components from getting damaged in the event of a short circuit or power surge.
That said, the third brake light in Silverado comes with its own dedicated fuse, usually labeled as ‘VEH CHMSL’ fuse in the fuse box.
If this fuse blows, it will interrupt the electrical power flow to the brake light. You’ll, therefore, need to inspect this fuse to see if it’s bad and replace it with a new one that has the same amperage rating.
Faulty wiring and connections
The wiring harness through which electrical power/signals travel from the brake light switch to this high-mount brake light can also bring about this issue.
Over time, this wiring undergoes tear and wear, damaged insulation, or even broken wires that interrupt the transfer of the electrical power or signal. This makes the brake light stop illuminating.
Still at it, a loose or corroded connection leading to the brake light can also disrupt power flow. A bad or rusty socket for the third brake light bulb can also interrupt power flow. Any corroded wire connection is also a culprit.
You’ll need to carefully inspect your wiring harness as you pay special attention to any visible signs of damage.
Any damaged wires should be repaired or replaced as necessary. Any loose connections should be made secure. Moreover, be sure to clean any corroded connections and sockets for improved conductivity.
Bad brake light switch
If your third brake light switch as well as primary brake lights are not working, then you are probably dealing with a malfunctioning brake light switch.
This component is usually mounted at the top of your brake pedal assembly and helps activate the lights whenever you press your brake pedal.
If this switch becomes faulty, it can’t send electrical signals to illuminate the brake light.
If the other areas above appear alright, inspect the brake light switch for damages and replace it if necessary.
How To Troubleshoot Silverado 3rd Brake Light Not Working
Below, we have outlined a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot your Silverado 3rd brake light malfunction:
- Inspect the bulb: Your first step in diagnosing your car is to check if the bulb may have blown. For this part, you’ll need to access the bulb at the rear of your car. If the bulb is blown (the filament inside appears broken or the bulb looks darkened), replace it with a new one.
- Check the fuse: If the bulb is okay, locate the third brake light fuse in your truck’s fuse box and check if it is blown. You can test it for continuity using a multimeter. Generally, blown fuses have the metal strip inside broken or melted. Replace a blown fuse with a new one that has the same amperage rating.
- Examine the wiring/connections: Check all the wiring leading to this brake light for damages or loose connections. Check that all the connectors are free from corrosion and are secure. If you discover any wiring issues, repair/replace the damaged wires as necessary.
- Check the brake light switch: Examine the brake light switch under the dash, on top of the brake pedal for signs of damage and replace it as necessary. The switch is a cheap fix as a switch costs roughly $15 and you can do the replacement on your own.
If you haven’t yet identified the cause of the problem after going through the above steps, then you may consider taking your car to a qualified auto technician or certified Silverado dealership.
These professionals will do a more thorough diagnosis to identify and fix the issue, including any complex electrical issues, causing your brake light to fail.
This video shows you how to replace a faulty third brake light bulb:
Video:
Why Your 2015 Silverado 3rd Brake Light Is Not Working
Your 2015 Silverado 3rd brake light not working is caused by a variety of reasons, including a burned-out bulb (this is the most common reason).
Check if your bulb is blown and remove the lens cover and check if the filament inside is broken or the bulb has a blackened appearance.
Another potential cause is a blown fuse. Identify your 2015 Silverado 3rd brake light fuse location and inspect it. If this fuse is blown, simply replace it with a new one.
If the truck wiring and connections have any problems, they may also cause the brake light to stop working. Check the wiring for signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections and fix them accordingly.
Don’t forget to inspect your brake light switch for damages. If the switch is faulty, replace it with a new one.
If none of these tips help solve your problem, we recommend getting a qualified technician to examine your car and resolve the underlying issues.
Why Your 04 Silverado 3rd Brake Light Is Not Working
Just like in the above situation, several issues could cause your 04 Silverado third brake light to stop working. The most common cause is a faulty brake light bulb.
A blown bulb is another potential cause for a failing center high-mount stop light. In this case, repaving the bulb is necessary to keep the light functioning correctly.
Any issues with the wires and connections leading to your truck’s third brake light may also cause the light to malfunction.
You may also want to inspect your brake light switch for signs of damage and replace it if necessary. This Redditor has a similar issue with this 04 Silverado and it turned out to be a faulty brake light switch.
Ultimately, if you can’t seem to figure out the cause of this issue on your own, you should take your car to a dealer or technician for further assistance.
How To Test Silverado Third Brake Light?
If you’re not sure whether your 3rd brake light is working, you can test it in a few simple steps outlined below:
Step 1. Start your truck engine. This step is essential for providing power to your electrical system, including the brake light system.
Step 2. Now have someone stand at the rear of your car. At the same time, depress your car brake pedal. This should engage the brake light switch and thus illuminate your third brake light, alongside your primary brake lights.
Step 3. If the light is working correctly, the person standing at the rear should view it illuminating as brightly as the other brake lights when you depress the brake pedal.
Step 4. Release the pedal and press it again. This acts as further confirmation that the light constantly comes on with repeated action of the brake light. This step can also help you identify any intermittent issues.
Where Is The Fuse For The 3rd Brake Light In Silverado?
The location of the third brake light fuse in Silverado can vary depending on your specific car model and configuration. In most Silverados, the fuse is usually situated in a fuse box located in any of these areas:
- Inside the cabin: The fuse box may be located under your dash, by the side of the driver’s side. The fuse usually comes labeled as ‘VEH CHMSL’ fuse#38, so it should be easy to identify. You can also refer to the fuse diagram on the cover or your owner’s manual for easy identification of the fuse.
- Under the hood: The fuse box in some truck models may be located in engine compartment, and near the battery. Look for a fuse labeled ‘VEH CHMSL’. You can also use your owner’s manual to easily locate this specific fuse.
If you’re not sure about the location and the identity of the specific 3rd brake light switch, you can consult your user manual for more info. Alternatively, you can contact your local dealership for professional assistance.
Check this video showing the 2012 third brake light fuse location:
Video:
What Makes The Silverado 3rd Brake Light Stay On When The Truck Is Off?
One potential cause for this issue is a stuck brake pedal. Check if the pedal is stuck in the depressed position, probably due to presence of debris or objects that obstruct its movement.
The brake light switch may also cause this problem if it is damaged. You should examine the switch for signs of damage and replace it if necessary.
The 3rd brake light staying on for long hours can easily drain your battery. Therefore, we recommend disconnecting the electrical connection that leads to the light bulb. This will turn off the light.
However, this doesn’t solve the underlying issue, so you should have your car diagnosed to find out the cause of the light malfunction and have it fixed.
If you’re facing issues with your Silverado’s third brake light not working, it’s worth exploring similar problems with other vehicles. You can find more information on this topic in our articles about the brake light and ABS light on, and speedometer not working as well as the Tahoe third brake light not working. These articles offer insights into common causes and potential solutions for a malfunctioning third brake light. Additionally, the article about the brake light, ABS light, and speedometer provides valuable information related to these specific issues. By exploring these resources, you can gain a better understanding of troubleshooting methods and potential remedies. Feel free to click on the links to access the articles and gather more information.FAQs:
The third brake light comes on when you apply the brakes, providing the drivers behind you with an additional visual cue that you’re slowing down or coming to a stop.
The third brake light is a crucial safety feature in your car as it offers additional stop light positioned higher than the primary brake lights. This makes it easier for drivers behind you to see when you’re slowing down or coming to a stop.
Conclusion
Your Silverado third brake light not working can be caused by a variety of issues such as a blown bulb, faulty fuse, bad wiring and connections, and a malfunctioning brake light sensor.
By following the troubleshooting tips we have discussed in the above article, you can easily find out the exact cause behind your stop light failing to work and fix it accordingly.
