1996 Buick Regal Custom Brake Lights

I have a 96 Buick Regal Custom (4DR) with 97K miles. For no reason, the brakes lights have stopped working. I checked the bulbs and they are OK. I checked the fuse - it’s OK. I looked at the wiring and it seems to be OK. The odd thing is that the rear deck brakelight works. Any ideas on what I can do to get this car back in the game?



S/F,

DR

I would be taking a look at the brake light switch. Do you have cruse control? Will tapping the brake shut it down? Next, and maybe easier to check would be the wiring. Look for a problem at connections and if the brake lights are on the trunk, where the wires flex when the trunk is opened and closed. Don’t forget the ground wires.

My son had the same problem on a 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The center brake light worked, but the other brake lights didn’t work. In his case, it turned out to be the turning signal switch. The turning signal and brake lights share the same filament in the bulbs.

Yes, it has cruise control so I’ll check that. The wires run through the trunk, but the trunk wasn’t opened before the ‘failure’ occurred. I didn’t see any crimping or obvious damage to the wires (nor did I see evidence of any moisture), but I’ll check again.

S/F,
DR

Since the middle brake light is working then it looks like the brake light switch is working alright. I think you are going to have to check the wiring between the switch and the lights. The signal flasher may be the problem also.

Check for water in the lens . . . happens sometimes during the winter and this could short out the lights on the rear of the car but not the rear deck light. How about reverse lights and turn signals? Rocketman

OK, cruise control fuse it OK. I was afraid that I would have to trace wiring (something I’m ill-equipped to do). I have a mechanic I trust, so that will probably be the way I go. Tough row to hoe since I’ve decided to get rid of this albatross, but that’s life. I appreciate everyone who contributed.

BTW, I had a turn signal problem with the car a couple of weeks ago. Fuses and bulbs were fine. After a couple of days (when it warmed up), everything was hunky-dory. It’s warm (50’s) here today in PA, but still no brake lights except for the rear deck.

Thanks again and Semper Fi,
Rich

Rocketman - The lens housings are both dry. All other lights (reverse, hazard, parking, turn signal) work. This is quickly getting past my ability to troubleshoot and (hopefully) repair. I appreciate all the input.

S/F,
Rich