brake light not working near side and off side HELP???

[peteboy]

hi
on my 2003 1.6 megane my near side and off side brake lights are not working but my upper light is working
i have checked the bulb and they are ok .

does anyone know wot it could be?
i am guessing it is not the fuse as the upper light is still working??

thanx pete

[kornnut106]

sorry i cant help but i have a simlar problem my reverse light dosent work and my stop lights keep blowing and it aint a fuse checked the all though may be yours is a fuse .just thought id share.lol

[davelowe]

hi
on my 2003 1.6 megane my near side and off side brake lights are not working but my upper light is working
i have checked the bulb and they are ok .

does anyone know wot it could be?
i am guessing it is not the fuse as the upper light is still working??

thanx pete

Time to get out the multimeter / test lamp.

Test:
a) with bulb removed there is 12V when the brake pedal is depressed (try to get 0 or 12ish when off and on)

Outcome: Yes, if so proceed to b)

Outcome: No, check fuses, wiring harness, and brake pedal switch (unlikely problem since top level one works)

b) Check the cluster and bulb holder for earth continuity - both sides may share the same body earth point. Corrosion where the harness is secured can be a problem. If in any doubt, short the NEGATIVE side of the bulb to a known good bare metal earthing point with the bulb installed (use either ammeter setting on multimeter or else a short length of wire).