Q: Why don't my tail lights light up when I press on the brake pedal?
I recently changed my stock stereo. Everything was fine until the next day. My tail lights light up when I press on the brake pedal, my gear shift is stuck on "P". Then my day running lights went out. I finally got the day lights to work, but brake lights still aren't goiong on. And my gear shift stuck on P. What could have caused this?
My car has 127661 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Rear lights are not working Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
Hi, thanks for writing in. I suggest checking the fuses to the brake light fuse. If the fuse is not blown then you need to check the brake light switch on the brake pedal to see if power goes in and out of switch. Replace the fuse if blown and replace switch if power comes in but not out of switch. If you need help or if this turns out to not be the issue, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect this for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Battery light is on
Hi, this comes up often. Your car battery light being on is an indication that your engine is not getting enough energy. This could be because of a malfunctioning alternator or a battery going bad. I suggest having a certified...
I think my wheel bearing is going out but not sure?
Hey there. Yes, it sounds like you do have a wheel bearing going bad (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-wheel-bearings). Noisy wheel bearings will only make noise when the car is in motion. They will get louder the faster you go. They also change pitch...
Squealing noise?!
Hey there. You have a binding accessory on the engine like the A/C compressor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-compressor-replacement) or pulley, power steering pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pump-replacement), or an idler pulley. You should first test the computer to see if the power steering pressure switch is...
could a 2002 2.0L Mazda Protege transmission fit on my 2001 1.6L Mazda Protege?
Hello. The Mazda parts catalog transaxle part numbers for the two years you cite are different. Therefore, these two transmissions are NOT interchangeable "out of the box." Sometimes the differences from year-to-year relate to electronics or controls which you "might"...
if I need brake pads, rotors, and calipers, how long can I wait before I get the calipers? is it ok to just do the pads and rotors
Hello. If you are going to do the brakes then the calipers should be done at the same time. If the calipers are needed and are not done when the brakes are done then you run the risk of having...
Car doesn't go into reverse, but when it drives, it goes slow and shakes very hard early. Smoke started coming out
Hello - the symptoms you provide regarding the lack of Reverse suggest either the Reverse clutches are burned out, or the Reverse piston servo seals are leaking so the Reverse clutches don't actuate. With the "shaking in Drive" you mention...
My engine management light is flickering on when I accelerate and the car is jerking
Hey there. This may be an indication of a failing or dirty mass air flow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement). This is a unit that monitors air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior to being injected into the engine. When this...
Makes brake fluid is black
Brake fluid accumulates moisture and contaminants over time (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-fluid-is-black-or-brown-inspection) and consequently the fluid should be replaced about every 35,000 to 50,000 miles. To service the fluid you can request a brake system flush and refill (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-system-flush). If you request that...
Horrible belt squeal when alternator has increased load.
Check to be sure all rotating elements are in the same plane. Check belt tension. If all rotating elements are in the same plane, the belt is new and properly tension, then the likely cause is a pulley that has...
Related articles
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
With With more and more consumers looking for better fuel efficiency, hybrid cars are taking off in ways that most of us never thought possible. Today, America’s top-selling compact car, the Honda Civic, is offered in a hybrid model with...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Pilot
If If you’re in the market for a larger SUV, you might think that you have to resign yourself to a gas-guzzling monster like a Suburban or a Chevy Tahoe, but that’s really not the case. With the 2012 Honda...
How to Get Honda Dealership Certified
Honda car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the many training programs available.
Browse other content
Maintenance
Estimates