Brake Lights Out

[ice_it_06]

Was pulled over last night during snow removal job and was told my brake lights do not work ?

Where do I start looking, 97 Tahoe.

My (emergency) button on steering column snapped off and took out all my signals. Can't believe the design to where I need to replace the entire signal mechanism and remove wheel, disable air bag all for a (911) button.

This problem is not related to my brake lights being out ?

All other lights work, signals I have to turn on switch and push my little finger in emergemncey button hole to get them to work.

Brake Lights I'm at a loss, had no clue they were not operational.

[Shack]

Have you checked the bulbs yet?

What happens is people will drive around with third brake light burnt out forever, then one of the side ones blows out, they drive around for another couple months to a year and then the last brake light burns out. No one says anything until there are no brakes lights. Some even drive around awhile with out any brake lights. Brake lights are the only light you need two people or mirror to check.

Besides that, fuses, multi-function switch (Turn signal switch), corroded socket or brake light switch (down at brake peddle). Also some models run brake light power threw headlamp switch (rare).

[Shack]

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This problem is not related to my brake lights being out ?

All other lights work, signals I have to turn on switch and push my little finger in emergemncey button hole to get them to work.

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I would say this is cosmetic and not a cause of brake light issue.

[Scott K]

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I have to turn on switch and push my little finger in emergemncey button hole to get them to work

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If you have to push the emergency button in to make the blinkers work, then this would be the same problem with your brake lights. The brake lights go through the same switch. Replace the turn signal switch/emergency flasher switch assy and should take care of your problem.

[Shack]

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signals

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Thanks, 4wanderingeyes. I read a little closer and figured out "signals" must mean turn signals.

Yes, you will have to replace turn signal switch, if bulbs are not burnt out.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Does the third brake light work. if yes than likely the turn signal multi function switch has failed. You may be able to wiggle the turn signal lever and or push the emergency button and get them to work as well. If wiggling turns them on than it is likely a new switch will take care of the problem.

If no, than is your brake light switch working. The third brake light bypasses the turn signal switch. If the third brake lights up than we know that the brake switch is working and we either are not getting power to the bulbs or the bulbs are burnt out. Make sure you check for power at the tail light socket. I believe those have the socket assembly, 3 sockets in one) that bolts to the lens. It is very common for these to fail as well.

The above will work for any vehicle that has the brake and turn signal on the same bulb. Multi function switches are very common on a lot of domestic vehicles. Taurus, pt cruiser, grand am, grand prix, and blazers seem to be some of the more common ones that I replace.

I don't think that you need to pull the entire column apart to change the switch. It the emergency is on top than you don't. Just remove the plastic trim covers. there will be a couple of torx fasteners and the switch will pop out. If the emergency button is on the side near the ignition switch than you will need to remove the wheel.

[ice_it_06]

I'll have to really get busy it sounds like.

Get the kid to watch the brake lights when I do the push button routine.

I've been told this emergency button design on these is a common problem. (button snaps off)

It is @ the top of the column and I was told its part of the entire signal arm and all it's functions. If I push on the part of the button still left down inside the column/trim cover just right I can get all signals and 4-ways to work.

But the arm with the 4-way button on it is well over $200 and labor close to the same. Although on E-Bay I see one for $70.

If I can figure out how to pop that top part of the column/trim cover off, maybe I can see if the button will easily remove with the 2 torx fasteners you mentioned.

Bottom part i got off but the top portion appears to have a trick. ( or I'm just challenged)