Nissan Murano Brake Lights Not Working - Diagnostics And Solutions

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Brake light issues on a Nissan Murano can be a cause for concern, not just for safety reasons but also to avoid potential traffic violations. This guide combines insights from various troubleshooting threads to help you fix brake light problems on your Nissan Murano. Following a methodical approach can help identify and resolve the issue efficiently.

Preliminary Checks

Before diving into more intricate solutions, perform these basic checks:

• Fuse Inspection: Ensure all fuses related to the brake lights in the fuse boxes are intact.
• Brake Light Bulbs: Check that the brake light bulbs are functioning correctly. Remember, just because the turn signals or four-way flashers work doesn’t mean the brake filament in the bulb is fine. Each brake light bulb has two filaments; one for the brake light function and the other for tail light functions. Inspect or test both filaments.
• Brake Switches: There are typically two brake switches. Use a multimeter to test for continuity, ensuring they operate as expected when the brake pedal is pressed and released.
• Wiring and Connections: Inspect the wiring near the tail lights and ensure there are no loose or damaged wires.

Detailed Troubleshooting Steps

If the preliminary checks don’t resolve the issue, proceed with the following steps:

1. Inspect the Brake Light Relay

A faulty brake light relay can cause the brake lights to stop working while other lights remain functional. The relay is often located in the hatch area on the driver’s side. It may appear as a green or white box with wires. Replacing a defective relay can resolve the issue.

2. Examine the Wiring Diagram

Consulting a wiring diagram for the Nissan Murano can provide insights into how the brake light system is wired, helping to identify potential points of failure. Pay attention to where the third brake light wiring diverges from the tail lights and trace the power source for the brake lights.

3. Check for a Previous Trailer Hitch Installation

If the vehicle had a trailer hitch and light harness installed and then removed, this could affect the brake light wiring. Inspect for any remnants of the installation that could disrupt normal operation.

4. Verify Bulb Filaments

For bulbs that appear to work for turn signals but not for braking, ensure both filaments are intact. A filament can burn out while the other remains functional. Replace any bulbs with burned-out filaments.

Looking for a replacement bulbs? Consult the chart below to find the proper bulb size for any position of your Nissan Murano:

• 2015;
• 2014;
• 2013;
• 2012;
• 2011;
• 2010;
• 2009;
• 2007;
• 2006;
• 2005;
• 2004;
• 2003;

5. Probe for Power in the Tail Light Assembly

Using a multimeter, check for power in the tail light assembly, especially the wire designated for brake light power (often red with a green stripe). Lack of power here could indicate a problem with the tail light sub-harness or the socket itself.

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6. Look for Incorrectly Checked Wires

In some instances, the wrong wire may have been checked for continuity or power. Ensure you’re testing the correct wires as specified in the vehicle's service manual.

Additional Tips

• Brake Light Indicator: If your Murano has a brake light indicator on the gauge cluster that lights up when pressing the pedal, it could offer clues about the system's health.
• Socket Inspection: Besides wiring, inspect the brake light sockets for corrosion or damage, which could prevent proper bulb operation.

Conclusion

Addressing brake light failures in your Nissan Murano requires a systematic approach to identify and rectify the root cause. Start with simple solutions like checking bulbs and fuses, and progress to more in-depth inspections like relay replacements and wiring checks. By following these steps, you can ensure your Murano’s brake lights function correctly, keeping you safe and compliant on the road.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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