Where Is Fuse Box - Brake Lights Broke

[Bond1217]

My brake lights both are broke, but not the top one by the back windshield. I think this is a circuit problem, and I think the circuit in question is in the fuse block. Where is that? I checked the manual and it says "passenger side of interior panel" or something like that. But I checked everywhere, under the dash on both sides, under the seats, where your feet usual go, up under there with all the wires. Nothing. Can someone please give me specifically as if talking to a child where the fuse box is. And if you know which fuse is for brake lights please let me know. Urgent!

[jeffcoslacker]

Right on the side of the dash where your hand would be smashed if you closed the door on it. Little plastic door you pull off. Label inside tells which is for what. Lotta these have trouble with the module for the brake lights. Hope it's not that. They are expensive.

[cadgear]

Don't forget to check out the turn signals. The contacts in the TSS bend over time, and the brake signal is routed through this switch for the left and right brakelights (but not your highmount)

[bstrom1953]

Cadgear is right...it is probably the turn signal switch under the steering wheel. My Lumina had the exact same symptoms, no brake lights but top brake light was ok. The only way I could get lower brake lights was to apply a light pull pressure on the turn signal lever. After pulling the wheel, I found the TSS is under light spring pressure pushing toward the wheel. After years of use, the plastic tabs that hold the TSS in the proper place wear thin. The contacts don't touch like they should and the brake lights quit.
Try this: step on the brake and then wiggle the turn signal a little in all directions and see if the brake lights come on. If they do, you need to work on the TSS. I fixed mine by building up the tabs with one wrap of #16 wire. NAPA wanted $73 for a new one.

[Bond1217]

Yea, but I wouldnt even know how to do that. I am horrible with cars and don't know what #16 wire even is. I tried toggling and pulling the turn signal, it doesnt seem loose, or well, anyway different then it used to be. I think I found the correct fuse but it doesn't look broken. Unless it broke close to the end and not in the middle, because I think I see something there, but since its not in the middle of the fuse its not easy to see. Then again I may not be looking at the right fuse at all. The thing is I had my alternater/battery/belt changed on Thursday... Thursday night is when the brakes first started not working.... that to me seems a bit fishy, especially since this mechanic has started overcharging for stuff and apparently B.S.ing me with other stuff. I stopped going to him altogether, but had no choice to go there for the battery because he was the closest for the tow truck. I honestly think he might of did something to the lights, maybe changed the fuse, just so I come back and pay another $100. to fix it. Thats why I want to make absolutly certain its not just a blown fuse, or just coincidence that both rear lamps went out at the same time.

[cadgear]

Swap the fuse with a known good one (say from another circuit) if you're concerned that the fuse is blown.

I despise mechanics who try to screw over the customer. I mean, I work at a dealership, and I know that hours are precious to some of our guys, but morally I don't sit and screw a customer. Honesty pays in this business; if you're dishonest, you'll find yourself out of a client base soon enough.

[Bond1217]

I may try swapping even if it looks fine, because you never know. Yea, this mechanic, has a gorgeous shop, new, clean, loads of magazines and places to sit, air conditioned. Got lots of business. LOTS. And was very reliable for a few years... but for some reason as business got better he started to screw people. Maybe he got greedy now that he has customers.