I have a 05 TSX. The rear brake lights dont turn on (but the third brake light does). I checked the fuse and its fine, also the tail lights all turn on but it just seems to not work when I press the brakes.

 

What about the bulbs? Have you checked them?

 

Check the lights themselves. The brake lights have dual filament bulbs. Its not uncommon for one of the filaments to burn out, but not the other. A two pack shouldn't run you more than $10 from any local parts shop.

 

litesout:

I see your point but isn't it too much of a coincidence for the filament of BOTH brake lights to go out at the same time? If it was one, then probably bad bulb but both at the same time leads me to believe that it may be another electrical problem. Just my opinion.

 

But checking the bulbs would be a good start, It's always better to start with easiest and most obvious.

 

I just fixed it!!! I thought the samething of the chances of both of them going out at the sametime so I checked the fuses and they were fine. I ended up replacing the bulbs and its all good now (didnt know it was dual filament bulbs). I've never in my life had 2 lights go out at the sametime so I assumed it was a bigger problem. I'm just happy now that I dont have to look in my rear view mirror hoping the person sees the working 3 brake light.

 

I've noticed that on many vehicles I've owned, when one bulb in a pair goes out (headlight, brake light, etc), the other is not too far away from going out itself. It might have something to do with a slightly increased current, but its more likely that since they operate in pairs, that the anticipated lifespan of both lights is so similar that they reach the end of their useable life at nearly the same time. I mean really, especially with brake lights, how often do you really check their operation? Weekly? Monthly? Never? Me? It's the last of those... and I'd only know they were out if someome told me (wife, or another motorist).