Brake Lights Always On When Headlights On

[Dorsety]

After years of no real problems with our Mk II Galaxy, we've hit an electrical issue. When we turn the sidelights or headlights on, the brake lights also come on. This obviously needs to be sorted.

 

Does anyone here have any experience of this problem? I don't think it's the switch at the brake pedal, as the brake lights work fine when the headlights are turned off.

 

Although, have spotted that a sidelight comes on along with the brake lights when in use with headlights off.

 

I changed a rear bulb about two months ago for the first time in the life of the car. We've had from new since late 2004.

 

Any suggestions welcome.

 

Andrew

[chrispb123456]

Check the wiring in the gaiter to the tailgate you probably have some wires broken and shorting together (common fault)

[seatkid]

I changed a rear bulb about two months ago for the first time in the life of the car. We've had from new since late 2004.

 

Any suggestions welcome.

 

 

You put the bulb in wrong or the wrong kind of bulb was fitted. The bulb should have been a twin filament bulb 5W/21W with offset pins.

 

What has happened is your bulb is shorting the parking and braking light circuits together. Remove the bulb you changed and it should be OK.

[Guest TdiGalaxy90]

I agree with seat kid happened to me too

[Dorsety]

Thanks for your feedback.

 

It was, as you said, down to me having replaced the original brake light bulb with an incorrect one.

 

But I had bought what I thought was the correct bulb, having checked with the bulb guides in Halfords and even comparing the old and new bulb side by side. Somehow I missed the fact that the old bulb must have had two filaments and the one I bought only had one.

 

Problem solved at minimal cost. Thanks again.