Main brake lights out; third brake light works

[98ExplorerGuy]

I noticed today that my power door locks are not engaging upon first use of the brake pedal as they usually do. Did some checking and found that the main brake lights are not coming on either, although the third brake light does come on.

Is this likely to be a bad switch behind the brake pedal? Or something else?

 

[bajaman19]

If brake light switch is faulty your brake lights would not work at all. It could be the switch, but honestly I would start by checking if your rear bulbs are blown, or if they are even getting power. Usually both rear brake lights do not go out at the same time but you never know.

 

[1998Exp]

Probably the bulbs are burned out. Pretty common, especially if they have never been replaced. Most likely unrelated to your door lock function.

I noticed today that my power door locks are not engaging upon first use of the brake pedal as they usually do. Did some checking and found that the main brake lights are not coming on either, although the third brake light does come on.

 

[98ExplorerGuy]

If brake light switch is faulty your brake lights would not work at all. It could be the switch, but honestly I would start by checking if your rear bulbs are blown, or if they are even getting power. Usually both rear brake lights do not go out at the same time but you never know.

I thought the same but wondering about the switch because the door locks no longer engage when I hit the brake pedal as they always did. I thought maybe the switch has a separate set of contacts for the third light...

 

[98ExplorerGuy]

Probably the bulbs are burned out. Pretty common, especially if they have never been replaced. Most likely unrelated to your door lock function.

Yes, in fact both bulbs were dead. I replaced them and all is well again.

Thanks.