Title of the thread says it all. The thing is, they turn on when I turn on my headlights but when the headlights are off and I hit the brakes, they don't turn on. The light on my spoiler turns on though. What exactly is the problem? How can I fix it? How much will it cost?

 

So the tail lights light up but the brake lights dont? but the 3rd brake light does? Do the brake lights work when you apply them with the headlights? or is it just the tail lights that light up with the lights?

 

the brake lights don't turn on when I apply the brakes. The lights do turn on when the headlights are on but when I apply the brakes with the headlights on the lights don't flash brighter.

 

First check the bulbs, its possible one side went out and the other followed shortly
My car did- thats why they sell the bulbs in a 2 pack!
Stand behind the car and hit the door lock so the lights flash- easy way to see which bulbs are working

If bulbs are ok then you likely have a dead brake light switch.
Thats located on the top of the brake pedal.
Not too expensive and if you are a contorsionist- no prob getting in there to replace

 

How long do you think it takes to fix the brake light switch? I dropped off my car at a mechanic last night and they still haven't fixed it? Are they just slacking off or do you think it really takes this long to do?

 

The brake light switch you could have changed in your drive way in 20 min or less. But i dont know if thats the problem since you can get it into gear. That also controls the safety mechanism that makes you apply the brakes to shift out of park

 

Yea I think it's the actual bulb. I mean it has to work cause you said the 3rd brake light works right. That should rule out the brake switch. Speaking of witch I need to change mine Its going out slowly.

 

Doh!
I wasnt even thinking about the interlock when I gave my answer
Will hang head in shame for 10 minutes

 

does it say that ur brakelights are out on the dash??? it should.

 

Mines does that, the brake light goes out every so often. Of course it always work when I bring it to the dealer.

 

On my TL the left brake light comes on when I step on the brake but will not light up when I turn on the headlights or parking lights. The right side works fine.

 

Having a similar problem myself. Bought the car, used, about 2 years ago. the brake lights never light up when the brake is applied. The center window one works as normal. Tried swapping out bulbs and brake switch with a buddie's (same car, year older), and all work as intended.

So best we can come up with, there's a problem with the wiring somewhere in the back. As an added twist, there is what looks to be an aftermarket alarm kit under my steering column. It's always just sorta dangled there. Not being the most mechanical, I've never tampered with it until now.

Any ideas, suggestions or comments would be great guys. Pretty sure I need to get those working before some dick cop decides he wants to write me some chicken S ticket.