Honda Civic 2001 - Odd Brake Lights

Jimbob1977

Hi all,

I have a query about the brake lights on a 2001 Honda Civic. I can't figure out if it's a fault or expected functionality for the model.

• If I press the brake pedal while the other driving lights are kept off (i.e. side lights and headlights), both the left and right brake lights are illuminated constantly. This is what I'd expect.

• However, if the side lights and/or headlights are switched on for evening driving, pushing the brake pedal illuminates the right-hand side brake light and tail light only.

The left rear lights go dark until I remove my foot from the brake pedal. Then both tail lights re-engage as normal.

At night, a person behind would see braking as my right rear bulbs lighting up..... and the left going dark temporarily.

My car underwent the NCT today and it was not reported. I know some cars have strange quirks, like one fog light or one reversing light.

Could anyone shed light (pardon the pun) on whether this is a wiring fault or what it is supposed to do?

I never noticed until I was preparing for the NCT and examining my bulbs, so I can't establish if it was always like this... or a recent issue.


Regards

James

jca

Do the easiest thing first and replace the left bulb. Its usually a sign of a bad earth from the cluster. Find the earth track on the circuit board and solder a cable to it and earth it directly yourself.