Brake lights do not work.

The turn signals work, the flashers work, and the running lights (head lights) work. I checked the bulbs and both filaments light up during the above processes.

I removed the brake switch at the pedal. When I was removing it, I heard some clicking under the dash. I connected the 2 pins with a wire (bypassing the switch), and got a spark a few times along with the clicking sound like a relay,and the brake lights would come on, but now nothing. No sparks, no clicking. The flashers and turn signals and running lights still work.

There are no blown fuses in the fuse box to the left of the steering column.

Is there a relay somewhere under the dash just for the brake lights?

Any clues?

 

No. You're hearing the shifter interlock solenoid clicking.

Check fuse F13 under the dash, it feeds the brake lamp switch circuit.

 

All the fuses under dash are good.

There is a 15a fuse, #3, in the power distribution block in the engine compartment that is blown....

 

Why does it have a shifter interlock solenoid? How does that work with a column shift?

 

All automatic transmission-equipped vehicles have a shift interlock. Have for about 20 years. They are what require you to step on the brake in order to shift out of park when the engine is running.

 

This truck doesn't have one. If it does, it must have been bypassed.

 

...and maybe that is the problem with no brake lights?

If that solenoid goes bad, will it stop the signal going to the rear lights? Where is it located?

 

Do you have a manual or an auto transmission? If manual, you don't have a interlock. You didn't specify what you have.

If an automatic, can you shift from PARK to any gear with the ignition in RUN without stepping on the brake? If no, then you have the interlock. If yes, it's not working and you do have a safety issue. Don't leave pets or kids in in the car unattended as ll they have to do is pull or push down on the shift lever and it's no longer in PARK.

No.

On top of the steering column, under the cluster, where it's really hard to get to.


You are now at the point where a multimeter and some one who knows how to use it are needed.