Brake lights failed but bulbs and fuse fine

[Vagabond]

Hi

Have a Megane 2005 1.5 DCi and brake lights have failed but strip light is fine.

Have checked a previous thread on this subject but OP found his bulbs to be blown in the end. Have checked bulbs, even replaced one, and fuse which are fine. Previous thread mentions bad earth am I right in saying the earth connection is among the wires that plug into the back of the bulb housing? If so there is a green plastic dot rather than a wire, is this the earth? If so isn't it a coincidence that both earth connection failed at once? Very confused!

Any advice would be greatly apreciated

Thanks

[tomalamix]

every lights are off? 3rd light included?

[Vagabond]

Hi Tomalamix

No third light / strip light still works.

[tomalamix]

im sorry, whats the strip light? the one on the center?

[Vagabond]

Hi

Yes I mean the brake light above the rear window.

[arran.vigar]

very likely to be the brake light switch, i don't know where it is located though. A lot of the time it just gets stuck or lose.

[Vagabond]

Thanks AV

It's actually cable tied to the clutch pedal! May be a botched job from previous owner or standard issue Renault engineering! Looks ok ie not damaged or the two wires going in and out not loose but before I replace it does any one know if because the third light is working therefor the switch must be working? Or are there separate components in the switch that effect the different brake lights?

Ta

[Vagabond]

Ok further research tells me BL switch is not on the clutch but in pax footwell - my bad, apologies. But same question stands that if brake light above rear window still works does that mean BL switch is fine?

[tomalamix]

yes, all the 3 lights are actuated using that switch...

this leads to a wiring diagram which i dont have to help you. you will have to hunt down where the hell your wire all messed up...

[Vagabond]

Thanks mate. At least I won't waste time changing the BL switch now.

[davelowe]

A simple test with a multimeter in the lighting cluster should confirm whether a) there is voltage present when the pedal is depressed and b) that the earths are sound and c) the bulbs are of the correct type. These tests will greatly aid your diagnosis. Forget about the brake switch for the time being - if the strip light is on, it is likely to be okay.