Dim Brake lights

[fgross2006]

I was driving behind my son last week and I noticed that the brake light on the driver side is very dim. it lights but much dimmer than the passenger side. Changing the bulb didn't help.


Any suggestions how to fix this?

[ZephyrEFI]

Take a look at the grounds and bulb sockets.

[fgross2006]

Take a look at the grounds and bulb sockets.

Im not really good with tracing shorts. What am I looking for?

[ZephyrEFI]

There should be a ground very near the taillights. Just look to see if it's loose or corroded. Same with the bulb sockets. Just look for damage or corrosion that may be keeping it from making a good connection.

[84StangSVT]

How does the insides of the buckets look? Is the drivers side dirtier or even more faded than the passengers side? Is it actually dimmer or is it an optical illusion?

What I would do first to determine if it is actually an electrical issue or a reflective issue when in the bucket is pretty simple.

Assuming the bulbs came out of a 2 bulb card and were replaced at the same time.....

Take both bulbs out of the buckets and have someone step on the brakes, or wedge the brake pedal and take a look at the lights while they are laying loose in the trunk. If the drivers side is actually dimmer than the passenger side then it could be a connection issue. As others have said, check the socket for dirt or corrosion or loose wiring/connections.

If the bulbs are close to the same brightness in this test, then check your buckets for dirt or excessive fading. If they have not been refinished in the past then they can appear really dim.