Brake Light Stays On

[iesurairin]

My brake light (the one inside the car at the back) has been problematic. Symptoms are as follows:

When I turn on my headlights, the brake light also turns on. When I turn off the headlights, the brake light goes off.

Now if the headlights are off, the brake light responds normally. That is, it goes on when I brake and goes off when I am not braking. Thus the problem only arises when the headlights are on. I am assuming the bulb is not at fault but do not know where to proceed from here. Some forums have suggested that it might have to do with a bad ground wire for the brake light unit?

Any suggestions and advice would be great as I find it difficult to drive safely at night (both in regards to other drivers and cops )

[speedy25]

Toyotas do funny things when a dual filament bulb has the filament short to the other. Checking the tailights would be my first check.

-SP

[iesurairin]

Originally Posted by speedy25

Toyotas do funny things when a dual filament bulb has the filament short to the other. Checking the tailights would be my first check.

Do you think that the bulb is the problem then? I bought two bulbs in one package and both display the same result (if that helps any bit).

Also, what do you mean by checking the tail-lights? When I brake, even with the headlights on, the tail-lights do seem to respond . So does this mean that the problem is isolated to the brake lamp above?

[Piloter]

Originally Posted by speedy25

Toyotas do funny things when a dual filament bulb has the filament short to the other. Checking the tailights would be my first check.

-SP

If you turn on cruise control and it immediately starts flashing the green cruise light, it's the brake lights for sure.

[sequoiasoon]

The Corolla's seem to have a history with shorts/corrosion in the bulbs/connectors in the tail lights. Pull all the taillight bulbs and inspect the connectors. Clean up what's needed, add some dielectric grease and might as well replace bulbs if your that far.

Other people notice the issue opposite way because every time they apply brake all the dash board/interior lights turn on. It's a common problem but easily fixed.

[Bitter]

Your brake light should not come on when applying the brakes, check your fluid level.

[sequoiasoon]

Originally Posted by Bitter

Your brake light should not come on when applying the brakes, check your fluid level.

From how I read it, the OP is saying they see the third brake light turn on "My brake light (the one inside the car at the back)" not the trouble/warning light on the dash. Also that it's linked to lights being turned on not when brakes are applied.

[Bitter]

Ah, I misunderstood. Usually the plural 'brake lights' is used.