If you’ve spent any time working on Honda CRVs, you’ll know that the brake lights often cause problems.
As the vehicles age, corrosion and fatigue can result in multiple issues that manifest as the brake lights fail to work properly.
The most common cause of a Honda CRV brake light not working is due to worn brake light switches and the rubber components that they make contact with.
Brake light fittings corrode and can cause difficult-to-find shorts.
So, unless you are prepared for many hours of painstaking detective work, it’s usually best to leave electrical problems like these to the professionals.
For the dedicated DIY mechanics, we’ve compiled a few of the more common problems and their solutions when trying to fix brake light problems.
A primary reason for a brake light not working in a Honda CRV is a burnt-out bulb. Over time, the filament in the bulb can wear out, leading to failure. To fix this, first, ensure your vehicle is turned off and the lights are cool. Locate the brake light compartment, remove the faulty bulb by turning it counterclockwise, and replace it with a new one. This simple replacement is often all that’s needed to get the brake light working again.
Another common issue could be a blown fuse. The brake light circuit has a specific fuse, which can blow due to an electrical overload or a short circuit. Check the vehicle’s fuse box, usually found under the dashboard or in the engine compartment. Refer to the owner’s manual to locate the brake light fuse, and replace it if it’s blown. This is a quick and easy fix that can restore brake light functionality.
You’ll find the fuse box under the hood in a black plastic container midway on the right side of the engine bay. Squeeze the clips to remove the lid and locate the 15-amp fuse that controls the brake lights and the horn.
A spare 15-amp fuse can usually be found on the right side of the fuse box. If you use it, don’t forget to replace it as soon as you can, ready for the next time it’s needed.
Start by replacing the fuse and seeing if that solves the problem. If the fuse blows, you know that the problem still exists and you can move on to identifying the culprit.
Honda CRV Brake Light Blinking
Any time you see your lights blinking on and off, it’s pointing to a loose connection, worn wiring harness, or a damaged brake light switch.
Take note of when the blinking occurs, such as when you are driving over rough surfaces or if it happens when crossing over a large bump. Also, note whether the blinking is regular or intermittent.
Should you find your Honda CRV brake light blinking, look for a damaged or loose connection or worn brake light switch. Your brake light switch may not be properly adjusted. Check the plunger to ensure that the switch engages fully when the brake lever is fully up (brakes disengaged).
Incorrectly adjusted switches can cause the light to blink when hitting potholes or bumps in the road.
It is a good idea to check that the rubber grommet on the brake lever is intact.
Over time, the rubber deteriorates and eventually, the grommet falls away. You will not have full contact with the plunger and the lights will either stay on or blink on and off.
The footwell carpeting can become damp, which is often a cause of condensation building up on components.
For this reason, is worthwhile checking the brake light switch connections. Rust easily builds up inside the plastic housings, causing intermittent connectivity and finally, complete failure of the brake lights.
Honda CRV Brake Light On When Cold
Any time your brake warning light is illuminated on the dashboard, you want to make it a priority check.
The warning light indicates the possibility of various potential issues that need attention and it should not be ignored.
If you find a Honda CRV brake light on when cold, check the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir first. If the light goes off when the vehicle is warmed up it indicates a possible brake fluid level change. Either the float attached to the cap is faulty or the reservoir filter needs replacement.
This is a known problem with a few Honda models manufactured between 1997 and 2001. If you have an Accura, then this advice applies to you too.
Changes in brake fluid level should never be ignored and you must check for leaks in the brake lines as well at the calipers.
Worn brake pads can also result in the brake fluid level dropping at the reservoir.
Honda CRV Brake Light Won’t Turn Off/Stuck
What at first seems to be a difficult problem, actually has a fairly simple fix. You just need sharp eyes to pick up the clues.
If your Honda CRV brake light won’t turn off or is stuck on, then check the driver’s side footwell. You will probably see small curved pieces of creamy plastic. Check the brake pedal where the brake light switch contacts the lever. If the plastic grommet is missing, replace it to solve the problem.
To prevent the brake light from draining the battery, remove the 15-amp fuse. Just remember that the fuse also controls the flow of current to the horn, so you will not be able to alert someone in an emergency.
Remember that your brake lights will not work until you have fixed the problem. So, applying your brakes in traffic will not alert the driver behind you as no red lights are coming on.
Copyright protected article by Know My Auto and was first published on Mar 10, 2022. .
To avoid a rear-end collision, apply brakes well in advance and reduce speed slowly so that the car behind has enough warning that you are coming to a stop.
When fitting the new grommet, you must remember to adjust the brake light switch plunger to ensure that the pedal doesn’t ride the clutch or that the switch is not too far away from the lever. In which case, the light will stay on.
Honda CRV Brake Light Fuse Keeps Blowing
Any time a fuse blows, it’s an indication that there is a short somewhere in the circuit.
If your Honda CRV brake light fuse keeps blowing it may be due to the brake light switch, the horn, or a bulb holder. Both circuits run off the same 15-amp fuse. Trace the circuit, then isolate which wire is grounding to the chassis or the ground wire. Repair or replace the wire or component.
Tracing and identifying shorts can take a long time, even if you are an experienced auto electrician.
As cars age, the suspension wears, which translates into additional vibrations that cause wires to chafe and rub on bodywork and other components.
Subsequent owners often fit after-market equipment such as alarm and sound systems. These after-market items are rarely fitted correctly with sub-standard connections and inadequate insulation being the norm.
When a problem occurs, equipment that isn’t in use is easy to turn off or remove, but the short that caused the problem goes unresolved.
When a fuse blows, it indicates that there is a stronger than usual current that can generate enough heat to start an electrical fire.
So, rather be safe and have a professional find and resolve the problem before it gets worse and potentially causes your car to catch fire.
The copyright owner of this article is Knowmyauto.com and was first published on Mar 10, 2022..
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