What Causes the Central Brake Light Warning?
2 Answers
Central brake light warning failure may be caused by a blown brake light fuse or a faulty brake light switch. Below is relevant information about brake lights: 1. Classification: Automobile brake lights can be categorized by position into three types: rear brake lights located at the back of the vehicle; dashboard brake lights, also known as brake indicators; and high-mounted brake lights. Based on materials used, they are divided into two types: gas automobile brake lights and LED automobile brake lights. 2. Base Models: Rear brake light base model: P21/5W, also known as BAY15D or 1157. This base model features a dual-filament structure with both brake warning and position functions. When serving as a brake light, it operates at 21W; when functioning as a position light, it operates at 5W, with the position light remaining constantly on. 7443 base brake light: W21/5W, also referred to as 7443. This base model also has a dual-filament structure with brake warning and position functions. The brake function operates at 21W, while the position function runs at 5W and remains constantly on.
That time when I was driving on the highway, the central brake light warning suddenly lit up, and my heart jumped into my throat. I quickly pulled over to check and found that the most common issue was a burnt-out bulb—bumpy roads cause a lot of vibrations, which can easily break the filament. A blown fuse is also a frequent occurrence, such as from an electrical overload. Wiring connection problems are common too, like loose or aged plugs. The brake light switch under the pedal might have gotten stuck, or the vehicle’s computer detected an anomaly and triggered the warning. I recommend first doing a quick visual check to see if the brake lights are working. If they’re not, replace the fuse in the fuse box. If they are on, inspect the switch. Don’t ignore it—having functioning brake lights allows the car behind you to react in time and avoid a rear-end collision. During regular maintenance, remember to clean dust and grime from the light covers to extend bulb life, and always pay attention to overall circuit safety during each service.