96 Lumina Brake lights illuminate intermittenly

[cav747]

The center brake light always works when stepping on the pedal. Most times both the left and right side brake light illuminate when stepping on the pedal, however some time they don't and some times it is right or left.
We have taillights, emergency flashers, fuses appear to be good and so do the lights. How do we correct so that when stepping on the brake pedal the lights always illuminate?

[richtazz]

Welcome to AF!

All power to the main taillamps is routed through the turn signal/multifunction switch in the steering column (even the brakelight function). If they are acting up intermittently, I would say you have a m/f switch going bad, which is a VERY common problem on these cars. If you've ever seen a puff of smoke, or get a pungent burning smell inside the car when the lights act up, then it's 100% guaranteed a bad m/f switch.

[cav747]

Thank you so very much. Will take to the shop for the repair.

C

[Blue Bowtie]

Changing the multi-function switch is not that difficult, but can be time consuming: