How To Fix Subaru Forester Brake Light Fail - Most Common Solutions

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Brake light failures in a Subaru Forester can be a perplexing issue. This guide compiles advice and solutions from various real-world experiences to help you troubleshoot and fix common brake light problems in your Subaru Forester.

Common Symptoms and Solutions

Brake Light Bulb Failure

• Symptom: One or both brake lights not working, while the center brake light functions.
• Solution: Replace the rear brake light bulbs. It's common for these bulbs to expire around the same time due to similar usage patterns.

If you need to replace the brake light bulbs on your Subaru Forester, but you're not sure which ones you need, you can find that information here, in our Subaru Forester bulb size chart:

• 2015;
• 2014;
• 2013;
• 2012;
• 2011;
• 2010;
• 2009;
• 2008;
• 2007.

Fuse and Wiring Issues

• Symptoms: Various, including blinking cruise light, traction control light on, loss of tail lights or brake lights, or shifter locking in park position.
• Solution: Inspect and replace Fuse 16 in the driver compartment fuse box. Additionally, check for poorly wired trailer harnesses or corroded wires, especially if modifications have been made to the vehicle's lighting system.

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Brake Light Switch Issues

• Symptoms: Brake lights not working despite bulbs and fuses being intact, sometimes accompanied by other electrical anomalies.
• Solution: Inspect the brake light switch located at the top of the brake pedal. Check for mechanical issues preventing switch actuation or electrical connectivity problems. In some cases, cleaning the switch with WD-40 or replacing it can resolve the issue.

Tail Light Harness and Connection Problems

• Symptoms: All rear lights including brake lights not functioning.
• Solution: Examine the tail light harness, particularly if a trailer light harness was installed. Check for corrosion or improper sealing of wire ends. Removing the faulty harness and properly sealing the wires can often fix the issue.

Specific Wiring and Connector Checks

• Tips: Look for damaged or corroded wires, particularly behind the light assemblies. Water ingress and corrosion can cause failures. Pay attention to wire colors mentioned in the threads (blue/yellow, white/black, and solid black) for targeted inspection.

Switch and Relay Issues

• Advice: If the center brake light works but the side lights don't, the issue may not be with the brake light switch. Check the relays and wiring specific to the side brake lights. Sometimes, simply cleaning the contacts of the switch or relay can resolve the problem.

General Tips

• Start Simple: Always start with the simplest solutions like checking bulbs and fuses before moving to more complex tasks.
• Safety First: When working on your vehicle’s electrical system, ensure the car is turned off and keys are removed from the ignition.
• DIY Caution: Be cautious with DIY electrical work. If unsure, consult a professional mechanic.

Conclusion

Fixing brake light issues in your Subaru Forester often requires a methodical approach, checking the simplest possibilities first and then moving on to more complex diagnostics. By following this guide, you should be able to identify and rectify most common brake light problems in your Subaru Forester. Remember, safety and caution are paramount when dealing with vehicle repairs.

See also:

• How To Choose the Best Light Bulbs For Subaru Forester?

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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