Park Lights Come On When the Brake is Pressed – Understanding the Link!

“Park lights come on when the brake is pressed” can be seen as a neglectable glitch of your automobile. But it’s a curious electrical hiccup that you need to be aware of. From grounding points to intricate wiring intricacies, various factors can lead to this anomaly. In today’s discussion, we will reveal all potential reasons behind this phenomenon and the effective steps to troubleshoot it. Ensuring your vehicle’s optimal functionality and your peace of mind on the road is the aim of our discussion, so keep reading!

Why Do Park Lights Come On When the Brake is Pressed?

The phenomenon where park lights activate when the brake is pressed can be attributed to electrical issues or cross-wiring in the vehicle’s lighting system.

The following list consists of potential causes of this issue

1. Faulty Grounding: The grounding in a vehicle’s electrical system is essential for the proper operation of various components. If there’s a fault in the grounding, especially near the rear lights, the electrical current can take an unintended path, causing park lights to illuminate when the brakes are applied.
2. Cross-Wiring Issues: Over time, or due to improper repairs or installations, wires can become crossed. If brake light wiring gets connected with park light wiring, pressing the brake pedal can energize both circuits so your park lights will flash. 
3. Older Vehicle Designs: Some vintage cars had integrated lighting systems where park lights were deliberately designed to illuminate with brake lights. So, if your car belongs to an older generation, you might experience this case. 
4. Malfunctioning Relay: Relays are used in vehicles to let a low current circuit control a high current circuit. A faulty relay can cause unintended activation of certain lights or systems when another is engaged.
5. Corroded Bulb Sockets: Over time, bulb sockets can corrode. If the brake light and park light sockets are adjacent or share a common ground, corrosion can bridge the gap, allowing current to flow between them.

Accordingly, when park lights illuminate as the brake is pressed, it typically signals a divergence from the standard electrical flow in the vehicle.

While the immediate impact might seem harmless, it’s a sign of underlying issues that can escalate or result in other malfunctions.

Therefore, you need to be wise in identifying the specific electrical issue in your car; in case you delay solving it, the outcomes will be more bothersome. 

How to Fix Park Lights Turning On When the Brake is Pressed?

The most effective approach to fixing park lights activating when the brake is pressed involves diagnosing the root cause and then addressing the specific issue.

Here is the order of actions you should take when fixing this case

1. Inspect Grounding Points: Begin by checking the grounding points, especially near the rear lights. Ensure they are secure, free from rust, and have a clean connection. Any faulty ground can be cleaned using sandpaper or replaced.
2. Examine Wiring: Secondly, inspect the wiring leading to the brake lights and park lights. Search for any signals of wear, damage, or cross-wiring. If you can see that any wires appear intertwined or incorrectly connected, they should be separated and reconnected properly.
3. Check Bulb Sockets: Corrosion in bulb sockets can create unintended connections between circuits, too. So, examine both the brake light and park light sockets. Clean any corrosion using a corrosion remover or replace the socket if severely damaged. Indeed, regular cleaning will help to delay such cases. 
4. Assess the Relay: Identify and test the relay associated with the vehicle’s lighting system. If it shows signs of malfunctioning, it is advisable to replace the component. 
5. Consult a Mechanic: If the issue persists after these checks, it’s wise to consult with a professional mechanic. Then, they will perform a detailed electrical system diagnostic and offer a definitive solution.

In essence, fixing the anomaly of park lights illuminating when brakes are pressed can often be a straightforward process of elimination. While some solutions, like cleaning grounding points or checking wiring, can be done by vehicle owners, more intricate electrical problems may require professional assistance. 

Regular vehicle maintenance and paying heed to such irregularities can ensure safer driving conditions and the longevity of the car’s electrical systems.

Watch this one,

Video Credits – Carsynergy

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Lakith

Meet Lakith, the driving force behind MyGasMagazine.com. A seasoned mechanic with over 7 years of hands-on experience in our family-run Gas Mag Garage, Lakith combines his technical expertise with a deep passion for cars. His journey in the automotive world began alongside his father, learning the intricacies of car repair and maintenance. Today, as the founder of MyGasMagazine.com, Lakith shares his wealth of knowledge, offering readers a unique blend of practical advice, industry insights, and engaging stories from the vibrant car culture of Sri Lanka.